Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot did not attain the proper touchdown point during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a perimeter fence.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Witnesses reported the airplane landed midfield on runway 36 (4,000 feet long by 60 feet wide) and the approach airspeed was very fast. The airplane veered to the left, exited the runway surface, went down a berm, and impacted the airport perimeter fence. No tire skid marks were noted on the runway surface. The pilot stated that the airplane encountered a gust of wind during touchdown which caused a loss of control. Due to some residential buildings near the end of the runway, the pilot elected not to abort the landing. The wind was reported from 040 degrees at 10 knots and gusting to 18 knots. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
Source record
Factual narrative
Witnesses reported the airplane landed midfield on runway 36 (4,000 feet long by 60 feet wide) and the approach airspeed was very fast. The airplane veered to the left, exited the runway surface, went down a berm, and impacted the airport perimeter fence. No tire skid marks were noted on the runway surface. The pilot stated that the airplane encountered a gust of wind during touchdown which caused a loss of control. Due to some residential buildings near the end of the runway, the pilot elected not to abort the landing. The winds were reported from 040 degrees at 10 knots and gusting to 18 knots. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.