Primary finding
Probable cause
Failure of the pilot in command to maintain directional control during the landing. Contributing to the accident was the excessive airspeed while landing and failure of the pilot to recover from the bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While on final approach behind another airplane which was performing touch and go landings, the pilot performed 's' turns to maintain spacing but during those maneuvers, the airspeed increased. The pilot continued the approach, landed fast, bounced, and drifted off the left side of the runway. The airplane collided with bushes and a ditch then came to rest.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 10, 1993, about 1236 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, N47407, registered to Cashiers, Inc., collided with a ditch after losing control during the landing roll at the Craig Municipal Airport, Jacksonville, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the flight from Moultrie, Georgia. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private rated pilot sustained serious injuries. The time of departure has not been determined. The pilot stated that he landed fast and after application of the brakes, the airplane veered off the runway into a ditch. -