Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach path, which resulted in impact with trees.
NTSB analysis
During the final approach for landing, the airplane was too low and struck trees short of the runway threshold, spun about 180°, and then impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA412 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 15, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Washington Island, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- Washington Island (2P2)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney M20C
- N-number
- N9303V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.