Primary finding
Probable cause
The excessive speed used on final approach to the short runway by the pilot, and the failure of the pilot to use the proper touchdown point on the runway for landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was attempting a landing on the short runway. He stated that he used 85 knots indicated airspeed on final approach. The airplane floated down the runway, and did not touch down until approximately one half of the runway had been used. The aircraft ran off the end of the runway, and impacted trees before coming to rest on a golf course past the departure end of runway 31.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 2, 1994, about 1741 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-24-180, N5704P, was substantially damaged following a collision with trees during a landing attempt at Boone, North Carolina. The private pilot received minor injuries in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight. The flight departed Winston-Salem, North Carolina about 1630. The pilot stated he used 85 knots indicated airspeed on final approach to the short runway. He stated that he did not touchdown until approximately one half of the runway had passed behind him. The aircraft impacted trees prior to coming to rest on a golf course off the departure end of the runway. -