NTSB Factual Report

On June 29, 2006, about 0830 Pacific daylight time, a Mooney M20M, N2142G, had a gear collapse during landing and veered off the runway at Searchlight Airport, Searchlight, Nevada. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and the commercial pilot were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The cross-country personal flight departed North Las Vegas Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada, about 0750, with a planned destination of Searchlight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot submitted a written report. He made a routine landing into a paved uncontrolled airstrip. As the airplane touched down in the center of the runway, he heard a heavy "thud" indicating something had struck it. During the landing rollout, the airplane became uncontrollable and turned 90 degrees to the left and impacted a 2-foot-high dirt embankment. After exiting the airplane, the pilot found the left main landing gear tire blown and the gear collapsed. In addition, he found 2- to 3-inch holes on the leading edge of the elevator on the right side. After close inspection of the touchdown area, the pilot discovered several large rocks scattered across the runway surface.

The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's encounter with rocks and debris on the runway during landing.