Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point, resulting in a runway excursion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing flare the airplane “floated more than I expected.” After touching down and seeing he did not have much runway remaining, the pilot applied toe braking, and realized he would not be able to stop before the end of the runway. Instead, he elected to turn to the right exiting the runway into a grassy area and subsequently struck a taxiway sign resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.