Accident Details
On November 22, 2015, at 1330 eastern standard time, a Mooney M20E, registration N5512Q, was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain during a forced landing at Tipton Airport (FME) in Fort Meade, Maryland. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was operated as a personal flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan had been filed for the flight destined for Thomasville Regional Airport (TVI) in Thomasville, Georgia.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, during the climb out from runway 28, he noted that the airplane's climb rate seemed "lethargic." He elected to remain in the airport traffic pattern and return for landing on runway 28. After turning onto the downwind leg, at an altitude between 600 and 800 feet, the engine lost power. The pilot turned toward the runway to attempt a landing near midfield. As he made a turn for final approach, he was unable to maintain the airplane's airspeed and subsequently landed adjacent to the runway. The right wing and engine firewall were damaged during the forced landing.
Witness Statements
Two witnesses reported that they watched the accident airplane attempt to land, overshoot the runway, and come to rest in the grass just beyond the runway.
Aircraft Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane at the accident site. The propeller appeared relatively undamaged, and examination of photographs revealed no leading-edge gouging, chordwise scratching, or s-bending. The outboard 1/4-span of one blade was bent aft approximately 45°. A visual cursory examination of the engine was conducted, and it was determined that an engine test run could be performed. Because the ignition key could not be found, the ignition switch was bypassed to start the engine. During the test run, the engine operated normally using fuel supplied from both fuel tanks.
Maintenance History
A review of maintenance logbook records showed that an annual inspection was completed on December 12, 2014, at a recorded airframe total time of 3,956 hours and an engine total time of 3,956 hours. The engine had accumulated 1,043 hours since overhaul. The pilot stated that during a flight in September 2015, the engine was running roughly. He reported the discrepancy to mechanics at FME, who examined the airplane. Maintenance records dated September 15, 2015, indicated that they fabricated and replaced an air manifold line and returned the airplane to service. The accident flight was the airplane's first flight since being returned to service.