MOONEY M20C near Washington Island, WI — 2017-07-15

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach path, which resulted in impact with trees.

NTSB narrative

During the final approach for landing, the airplane was too low and struck trees short of the runway threshold, spun about 180°, and then impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.

NTSB coding

• Collision during takeoff/land · Approach-VFR pattern final

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• Record of Email (CEN DO)other
• Record of Email (FAA Inspector)other
• Accident Photo (Courtesy of FAA)photos

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