Event ATL04CA144

Factual narrative

On June 29, 2004, at 2115 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M-20E, N77ET, registered to and operated by a private pilot, collided with the ground during a low approach into Thomasville Municipal Airport, Thomasville, Georgia. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The private pilot was uninjured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight departed Thomasville Airport in Thomasville, Georgia, on June 29, 2004 approximately 2055. According to the pilot, he was conducting touch and go landings and during the second approach to land he noticed the airplane was high on the glide slope. The pilot extended the flaps and reduced power to increase the descent rate of the airplane. The pilot further stated that the airplane descended below the glide slope and touched down approximately 150 yards from the approach end of runway 22. Examination of the airplane revealed both wing assemblies were buckled and curled upwards. The left main landing gear was collapsed, and the fuselage was buckled. No flight control or mechanical malfunctions were reported by the pilot prior to the accident. According to the pilot, he was conducting touch and go landings. During the second landing the pilot noticed he was high on the glide slope approach. The pilot extended the flaps and reduced power to increase the descent of the airplane. The airplane descended below the glide slope and landed approximately 150 yards from the approach end of runway 22. Examination of the airplane revealed both wing assemblies were buckled and curled upwards. The left main landing gear was collapsed, and the fuselage was buckled. No flight control or mechanical malfunctions were reported by the pilot prior to the accident. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12