November 11, 2005, Summerville, S.C. / Mooney M20M

The aircraft collided with trees, fell to the ground and burst into flames at 1418 Eastern during a landing approach. Visual conditions prevailed; the Private pilot received serious injuries while the passenger was fatally injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. According to witnesses, the airplane touched down with the landing gear retracted. The airplane was observed exiting a cloud of dust and climbing to about 500 feet. Witnesses said the airplane circled the runway to the left twice, and the pilot lowered the landing gear for an approach. During the descent the airplane went into the trees and collided with the ground 500 yards from the runway threshold.