Introduction
A pilot flying a Mooney M20R performed a landing approach at an airport. The airplane entered the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, slowed to 90 knots, and extended the flaps. It turned onto the base and final legs, with further flap extension.
Landing Approach
The airplane touched down just past the runway numbers at a speed of 70 knots. The pilot applied brakes. Approximately midfield, directional control became difficult, and the airplane "pulled severely to the left."
Go-Around and Impact
The pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power and raising the nose to establish a positive rate of climb. The airplane then struck the airport perimeter fence and a large rock, which separated the left wing and ignited a fire.
Witness Observations
Two witnesses—one a pilot and the other a flight instructor—observed the landing approach. They saw the airplane approach the runway before it disappeared behind a row of hangars. When it reappeared, it appeared traveling "fast" and was "trailed by tire smoke." The airplane then departed the runway surface, and the engine sound increased to "full power." The witnesses lost sight of it behind terrain but observed a "large ball of flames" moments later.
Runway Evidence
Examination of the runway surface revealed skid marks beginning about 1,000 feet beyond the threshold of the 3,001-foot-long runway. The skid marks continued for about 1,600 feet before leaving the left side of the runway surface. Marks in the turf continued from where the skid marks left the runway, through the airport perimeter fence, and toward the airplane's resting location.
Wreckage
Examination of the wreckage showed that the airplane, including both main landing gear, was consumed by a post-impact fire.