N496DE

On May 27, 1999, about 2100 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20R, N496DE, was substantially damaged while landing at the Portage County Airport (29G), Ravenna, Ohio. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight that departed the Mansfield Lahm Municipal Airport, Mansfield, Ohio. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The airplane was on approach to runway 27, a 3,500 foot long, 75 foot wide, asphalt runway.

In a written statement, the pilot said:

"...I landed hard and bounced. The approach was good and normal. Winds were light and from the west. After bouncing I added power to go around because I couldn't see the runway or lights. After power was added I did not feel that I was getting a positive rate of climb. The airplane just seemed to just hang there. At this time I was just trying to see the runway lights. I could not make them out....After feeling that I wasn't climbing I cut the power and landed..."

The airplane landed on the right side of the runway, it then veered off the right side of the runway, down a grass embankment, across a drainage ditch, and struck a large cement box.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector, did not reveal any pre-impact abnormalities of the airframe or engine. The airplane was equipped with speed brakes, which functioned normally after the accident.