What happened
On May 25, 2012, at approximately 20:15 UTC, a Mooney M20TN, registration PT-ALN, was performing a local flight at the Associação Recreativa Fazenda Bonanza aerodrome in Salto de Pirapora, São Paulo. The aircraft was occupied by a pilot and one passenger.
During a touch-and-go maneuver, the engine failed to respond to the pilot's application of power. In an attempt to abort the maneuver, the pilot lost directional control on the ground. The aircraft veered toward the left side of the runway and collided with a hedge located at the opposite end of the field. The impact resulted in light damage to the aircraft, but both occupants emerged uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid medical certificate and appropriate single-engine land ratings, with sufficient experience for the flight type. The aircraft was found to be in a compliant state, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and all maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller up to date. The aircraft was also within its proper weight and balance limits at the time of the incident.