Accident Overview
On May 28, 2017, at approximately 1200 central daylight time, a Mooney M20J airplane, registration N211ZN, experienced a runway excursion on runway 34 at Lakeway Airpark (3R9) near Lakeway, Texas. The airplane impacted ground objects, resulting in substantial damage to its left wing. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured. The aircraft was registered to Yarbrough Southwest Corp. and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Flight Sequence
The flight departed Tierra Linda Ranch Airport near Kerrville, Texas, about 1139, with Lakeway Airpark as the intended destination. According to the pilot, during the flight, his glasses broke when the right lens screw fell out, causing the lens to separate from the frame and fall beyond his reach.
Landing and Excursion
Aware of power lines at the south end of the field, the pilot chose to fly a higher-than-normal glidepath due to his restricted vision, to ensure clearance of the power lines. The airplane landed long on runway 34. Recognizing the landing point was beyond the desired touchdown zone, the pilot decided against a go-around because of concerns about obstacles in the area. The airplane continued off the end of the runway, and the left wing struck a stone mailbox.
Additional Details
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. His response to a question about his medical certificate was "unknown"; Federal Aviation Administration records showed his last medical certificate was dated December 18, 2007. The pilot offered a safety recommendation: to purchase corrective lenses with frames that prevent lens loss and to bring an extra set of glasses when flying.