Primary finding
Probable cause
The non-certificated pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized approach for landing that resulted in a long landing and subsequent runway overrun.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During a pleasure flight, the non-certified pilot attempted twice to land at the accident airport. On the first attempt, the pilot stated that the approach was too fast and too high, so he performed a go-around. On the accident landing, the airplane landed farther down the 2,610-foot runway than he anticipated. The airplane did not slow down, and as the end of the runway approached, the pilot applied the brakes. The airplane subsequently veered to the left and right, and then back to the left again, which allowed the right wing to contact the runway. The nose of the airplane impacted a snow berm, and the airplane came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing and fuselage. An examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
During a pleasure flight, the non-certified pilot attempted twice to land at the accident airport. On the first attempt, the pilot stated that the approach was too fast and too high, so he performed a go-around. On the accident landing, the airplane landed farther down the 2,610-foot runway than he anticipated. The airplane did not slow down, and as the end of the runway approached, the pilot applied the brakes. The airplane subsequently veered to the left and right, and then back to the left again, which allowed the right wing to contact the runway. The nose of the airplane impacted a snow berm, and the airplane came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing and fuselage. An examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.