On September 5, 2006, a Mooney M20J (registration N1172U) was involved in an aviation accident near Smithville, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The altitude/ clearance not maintained by the pilot during cruise flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a cross-country personal flight, an airplane taxied onto a runway without authorization, then impacted a grass field, a wire fence, and later a corn field. Flaps and gear were retracted; no pre-impact anomalies found.
Incident Sequence
The accident occurred during a cross-country personal flight. While taxiing from the departure airport, the airplane was involved in a pilot deviation when it proceeded onto a runway without authorization. The airplane subsequently impacted a grass field, leaving a series of propeller slash marks with increasing separation. It then became airborne again and struck a wire fence adjacent to the field where the slash marks were located. Damage to the propeller blades was consistent with engine power being applied.
After the fence impact, the airplane became airborne for approximately 0.3 miles before impacting a corn field. The airplane's flaps and landing gear were found in the retracted position.
Examination
A post-impact examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.