Accident Overview
On May 15, 2017, at approximately 1330 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20E airplane, registration N9265M, was substantially damaged when it struck trees, a fence, and a pole while landing on a private grass airstrip near Dowling, Michigan. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
Flight History
The flight departed from W K Kellogg Airport (BTL) in Battle Creek, Michigan, en route to the private airstrip. According to the pilot, the airspeed indicator did not indicate as high as usual during the flight. After an uneventful landing at BTL to drop off a passenger, the pilot continued to the private airstrip, which had a 2,000-foot by 120-foot grass runway.
During the first approach, the pilot reduced airspeed to 70 miles per hour (mph), but the airplane would not settle, so he initiated a go-around. On the second attempt, he slowed to 60 mph, but the airplane still refused to touch down. The pilot stated he "forced" the airplane to land.
Impact and Damage
During touchdown, the airplane porpoised and exited the runway, colliding with trees, a fence, and a pole. Federal Aviation Administration inspectors reported that the left main landing gear and nose gear collapsed. The right wing sustained substantial impact damage to the leading edge and the spar. The pitot tube separated from the airplane and could not be functionally tested.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the pitot-static system revealed organic debris in the pitot tube, consistent with the remains of an insect. A functional test of the airspeed indicator found no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.