NTSB Factual Report

On July 6, 2004, at 1530 mountain daylight time, a Mooney M20R single-engine airplane, N1054K, sustained substantial damage following a loss of control while landing at the Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN), Hailey, Idaho. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. The private pilot, sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross-country flight which was operated in accordance with 14 CFR Part 91, and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was filed. The flight departed the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Salt Lake City, Utah, approximately 1430, with SUN as its destination.

In a telephone interview, and according to the Pilot /Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that when he was approximately 8 miles from the airport he configured the airplane for landing by lowering the landing gear, added one notch of flaps, pushed in the propeller control, and set the mixture control for a normal landing. The pilot stated that on a 3 1/2 mile final to Runway 31 he was advised by air traffic control that a jet aircraft was in front of him. The pilot further stated that on a 2 mile final he selected full flaps, trimmed the airplane, and noticed his approach speed on short final was 75 knots. The pilot reported that as he crossed the threshold he pulled the power back to idle, but as his landing gear touched the runway the airplane suddenly bounced, and then bounced a second time. The pilot further reported that he then attempted to abort the landing by adding full power, reducing the flaps and raising the landing gear, but the plane would not accelerate or climb. The pilot stated the airplane stayed in ground effect and weaved back and forth [left to right] before exiting the right side of the runway and impacting a taxiway sign with the left wing. The airplane subsequently swung around to the left and came to rest in an upright position facing west. The pilot turned off all the electrical [switches] and exited the aircraft uninjured. There was no post-accident fire.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who traveled to the accident site, reported that one propeller blade was found to be loose in the propeller hub and that both propeller blades were severely curled back. The inboard section of the left wing's leading edge was crushed aft and the lower fuselage sustained skin damage from the nose wheel area to just aft of the flap attachment. A certified aircraft and power plant mechanic reported substantial damage to the left wing root area and main spar. The mechanic also confirmed that the flaps were in the full up, retracted position.

At 1555, the weather reporting facility at SUN indicated the wind was 270 degrees at 8 knots, with visibility 30 statute miles.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper flare, failure to maintain directional control, and inadequate remedial action, which resulted in the airplane impacting a taxiway sign along the side of the runway. A factor contributing to the accident was the taxiway sign.