Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper altitude and airspeed control during landing, which resulted in the airplane landing long and a subsequent runway overrun and impact with a drainage culvert.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during initial approach, the airplane was too high. The pilot attempted three separate landings, and during the fourth approach, the airplane was again too fast and too high above the runway. The airplane landed long, and he applied the brakes, but the airplane overran end of the runway, crossed a public road, and impacted a drainage culvert. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during initial approach the airplane was too high. The pilot attempted three separate landings, and during the fourth approach, the airplane was again too fast and too high above the runway. The airplane landed long, and he applied the brakes, but the airplane overran end of the runway, and crossed a public road before colliding with a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.