Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's attempt to land with excessive airspeed, his improper use of the brakes, and his delay in performing remedial action.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot decided to practice touch and go landings. According to a certified flight instructor who witnessed the accident, the first two approaches to the runway ended with go-arounds. The witness said that during the third approach, the airplane had 'excessive speed.' the airplane touched down and continued to roll off the end of the runway and into trees. The pilot stated that he applied the brakes, but they did not seem to stop the airplane. No evidence was found on the runway to indicate that the brakes were applied. During a post-accident examination, no pre-impact mechanical deficiencies were found with the brake system.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 19, 1993, about 1645 hours eastern daylight time, N6294J, a Piper PA-28-151, registered to Robert Chinn, Ravenna, Ohio, was substantially damaged during landing at the Concord Airpark, Painesville, Ohio. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight originated from Ravenna, Ohio, and was conducted under 14 CFR 91. The pilot stated that he decided to practice takeoffs and landings. He touched down on runway 20 "with about two-thirds of the runway to go." He applied the brakes but they "did not seem to be slowing down or stopping fast enough." The pilot stated that he attempted to perform a go around, but the airplane struck trees, which are located past the end of the runway before it could become airborne. No mechanical malfunctions were reported. According to a certified flight instructor who witnessed the accident from the ground, the airplane was observed to perform two approaches to runway 20 followed by go-arounds. On the third approach, the airplane had "excessive speed" and ran off the end of the runway. According to an FAA aviation safety inspector, the airplane ran off the departure end of the runway into trees, shearing both wings. No evidence was found on the runway to indicate that the brakes were applied during the landing, and no mechanical malfunctions were found with the brake system. -