Event Summary
A Cessna 172N departed on a cross-country flight. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot observed the engine tachometer reading 2,400 rpm instead of the expected 2,600 rpm. Concerned, the pilot decided to return to the departure airport to make a precautionary landing.
Landing Sequence
The pilot performed three missed approaches to the 2,500-foot-long asphalt runway because the airplane was approaching at high speeds. On the fourth landing attempt, the airplane again approached at a high speed. During the flare, the pilot attempted to bleed off airspeed. The airplane touched down at a higher rate of speed than normal, bounced, and then settled on the runway. The pilot was unable to stop the airplane before it departed the end of the runway and impacted a fence.
Investigation
An inspection by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no preimpact malfunctions with the airplane.
Additional Details
The pilot was not aware at the time of takeoff that the airplane was equipped with a "cruise propeller." Weather reports from an airport about 5 miles northeast of the accident indicated variable winds at 4 knots around the time of the accident.