Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate approach and excessive airspeed which resulted in a long landing and subsequent runway overrun onto rough terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the approach to landing to an airport located within a canyon, the airplane was high and fast. The pilot slipped the airplane, however the airspeed remained above the desirable 60 knots. The airplane "floated down the runway" and touched down further than normal. The airplane subsequently overran the departure end of the runway onto rough terrain which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, empennage and fuselage. The pilot added that there was no possibility of a go-around due to the airport's location in the canyon. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during the approach to landing to an airport located within a canyon, the airplane was high and fast. The pilot slipped the airplane, however the airspeed remained above the desirable 60 knots. The airplane "floated down the runway" and touched down further than normal. The airplane subsequently overran the departure end of the runway onto rough terrain which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, empennage and fuselage. The pilot added that there was no possibility of a go-around due to the airport's location in the canyon. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.