At about 18:35 Pacific time, a Mooney M20K ran off the runway at Firstair Field while making a precautionary landing following a loss of engine power. The three occupants were not injured. The pilot told police he was about 10 minutes into his flight when the propeller experienced a sudden overspeed. He reduced engine power and turned toward the Monroe airport. About two miles south of the airport, the engine lost power. The pilot said he extended flaps, landing gear and speed brakes but could not hit the approach end of the runway because of his initial fear of giving up altitude too early and hitting fairgrounds. The aircraft landed long, overran the runway, and struck a tree stump in a marsh.
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