Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper touchdown point and delayed decision to execute a go-around, which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane was a little fast on the approach and touched down with only a quarter of the runway remaining. He stepped on the brakes and airplane began to slide. The pilot realized that he was not going to be able to stop the airplane on the remaining runway and subsequently added full power to go around. The airplane traveled off the runway and impacted a levee, which resulted in a collapsed nosewheel and damaged propeller. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The private pilot reported that the airplane was a little fast on the approach and he landed with only a quarter of the runway remaining. He stepped on the brakes and the single-engine airplane began to slide. The pilot realized that he was not going to be able to stop the airplane and added full power to go-around. The airplane traveled off the runway and impacted a levee which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures with the airplane prior to the accident.