NTSB Factual Report

On September 9, 2003, about 1440 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20A, N1072B, was destroyed when it struck utility wires and impacted the ground, while on approach to land at a private airstrip in Rockford, Ohio. The uncertificated pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The airplane was owned by the pilot's father-in-law, who maintained a 1,400-foot grass runway at his residence.

A witness observed the airplane circling above the runway. In a written statement, the witness stated:

"[The airplane] flew low over the pond like he wanted to land, then circled back north around/over the woods. He then came back over the hill of the golf course just north and west of the landing strip. It looked like he was trying to land. I then saw the plane hit the utility wire and nose dive into the ground. All the wires were shaking...."

The witness added that he did not hear any "sputtering" or unusual engine noises prior to the accident.

The airplane was destroyed by a post crash fire.

Examination of airman certificate records by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any certificate information for the pilot.

Both the pilot and owner failed to provide any information regarding the circumstances of the accident, or the airworthiness history of the airplane, despite requests by the Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The pilot did not respond to two letters from the Safety Board which requested he complete an NTSB Pilot/Operator Accident Report Form.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain the proper altitude/clearance, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a utility wire. The owner's improper decision to allow the airplane to be operated by an uncertificated pilot was also causal.