On February 10, 1996, at 1000 central standard time, a Mooney M20M, N9167J, was substantially damaged during a hard landing near Alpine, Texas. The private pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was being operated by a private owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated in Houston, Texas, at 0730. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the destination and an IFR flight plan was filed. On the Pilot/Operator report, the pilot stated that, during the final approach, airspeed was maintained until near the threshold when power was reduced and the aircraft was flared for landing. The flare was high and the aircraft dropped 10 to 12 feet for the hard landing. Subsequently, the airplane departed the runway and struck a drainage ditch. The propeller, landing gear, and left wing spar were damaged.