NTSB Factual Report

On June 16, 2003, at 1615 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20E, N3220F, was substantially damaged while landing at Weltzien Skypark (15G), Guilford, Ohio. The private pilot and pilot rated passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed Carroll County-Tolson Airport (TSO), Carrollton, Ohio, about 1545. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot was landing on runway 03, a 2,360-foot-long, 37-foot-wide asphalt runway. The pilot initially reported to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that the airplane was "high" and "fast" on the final approach, and it touched down near the midpoint of the runway. The airplane then traveled off the end of the runway and struck a guardrail.

During a subsequent telephone interview with a Safety Board investigator, the pilot reported that his approach was normal, and he touched down with 1,600 feet of runway remaining. The pilot added that he planned to have the aircraft manufacturer examine the brakes. The pilot later reported, on the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report form, that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

According to a witness, the airplane appeared high and fast on final approach. During the landing flare, the airplane floated to approximately mid-field. The airplane then touched down and overran the runway.

The reported wind at an airport approximately 20 miles northeast of the accident site, at 1651, was from 120 degrees at 8 knots.

Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed substantial damage to the propeller, nose gear, and fuselage. The inspector did not observe any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's misjudged speed and distance while landing, and his failure to do a go-around.