Primary finding
Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed during the precautionary landing resulting in an overshoot.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the engine began to run rough while on downwind, and he executed a precautionary landing to the runway. The aircraft touched down midway down the runway and ran off the end due to the 'excessive air speed.' during the postcrash examination no anomalies could be found that accounted for the rough running engine.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 12, 1995, at 2030 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28- 161, N8969K, was substantially damaged during landing near Van Buren, Arkansas. The private pilot and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross country flight. In an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot reported that the engine began to run rough while on downwind. The pilot further stated that he executed a precautionary landing to the runway. Physical evidence indicated that the aircraft touched down "mid-runway and ran off of the runway end" due to the "excessive air speed." Examination of the aircraft revealed structural damage to the propeller, engine mounts and right wing. During the examination no anomalies could be found that accounted for the rough running engine. -