Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed on approach resulting in an extended touchdown, bounced landing, and runway excursion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while on approach to land at his private grass airstrip, he realized that his airspeed was faster than it should have been and landed the airplane long down the airstrip. Upon touchdown, the airplane bounced and skidded off the mowed part of the airstrip into high grass. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing, left-wing strut, and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.