On June 29, 2006, a Mooney M20M (registration N2142G) operated by William C. Blaurock was involved in an aviation accident near Searchlight, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's encounter with rocks and debris on the runway during landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a routine landing on a paved uncontrolled airstrip, the left main landing gear collapsed after striking rocks, causing the aircraft to veer off and hit a berm. No mechanical failures were reported.
Incident Details
A pilot made a routine landing onto a paved uncontrolled airstrip. As the aircraft touched down in the center of the runway, the pilot heard a heavy 'thud,' indicating something had struck the airplane. During the landing rollout, the airplane became uncontrollable and turned 90 degrees to the left, subsequently impacting a 2-foot-high dirt embankment.
Post-Landing Inspection
After exiting the airplane, the pilot inspected the left main landing gear and found the tire blown and the gear collapsed. Additionally, he discovered 2- to 3-inch holes on the leading edge of the elevator on the right side. A close inspection of the touchdown area revealed several large rocks scattered across the runway surface.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.