Accident Overview
On July 10, 2022, at approximately 1917 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20F, registration N600FS, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Cragsmoor, New York. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight Details
The flight originated at Joseph Y Resnick Airport (N89) in Ellenville, New York, and was destined for Brookhaven Airport (HWV) in Shirley, New York. The pilot reported that the airplane's fuel tanks were full at departure.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, the airplane's climb performance was "less than normal" following departure. The airplane was reportedly "struggling" to maintain a climb rate of 500 feet per minute. As the flight approached terrain, the pilot considered executing a "hard turn" but was concerned about losing airspeed and the proximity of the surrounding terrain. Instead, the pilot elected to continue at the airplane's best rate of climb.
Accident Sequence
The airplane subsequently began to scrape across trees in a level attitude before settling into the trees and impacting terrain. The wreckage came to rest in heavily-wooded terrain at an elevation of approximately 2,230 feet above mean sea level, about 3 statute miles southeast of N89.
Damage and Recovery
Both wings sustained substantial damage. The airplane was recovered from the accident site for additional examination.
Probable Cause
The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the accident.