On December 28, 1994, a Mooney M20K (registration N3983H) was involved in an aviation accident near Minneapolis, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's misjudging of distance and airspeed during the approach to landing which resulted in an overrun. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After takeoff at 200 feet AGL, the engine ran rough and lost power. The pilot declared an emergency and was cleared to land on any runway but did not initially understand, continuing to land on Runway 23R. The airplane overran the runway and struck a perimeter fence. Post-accident engine test found a separated exhaust pipe.
Incident Narrative
The pilot reported that after takeoff, at an altitude of 200 feet above ground level (AGL), the engine began running rough and lost power. He declared an emergency and was initially cleared to land on Runway 23R, followed by a clearance to land on any runway. The pilot stated that he did not initially understand that he was cleared for any runway, so he set up to land on Runway 23R. He stated that he was too close to the runway but continued the landing. The airplane traveled off the end of the runway and came to a stop after contacting an airport perimeter fence.
Post-Accident Findings
A post-accident test run of the engine revealed that it produced power to 2700 RPM. The only anomaly found was a separation of the #6 cylinder exhaust pipe near its engine mounting flange.