Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate decision to continue the approach, which resulted in a long landing and insufficient runway remaining to stop the airplane before it departed the end of the runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that while en route to his destination he became unsure about his position. He saw an airport and decided to land and reorient himself. During the landing the airplane touched down long and he could not stop the airplane, using full braking, before it departed the end of the runway and collided with trees. The wings were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that while en route to his destination he became unsure about his position. He saw an airport and decided to land and reorient himself. During the landing the airplane touched down long and he could not stop the airplane, using full braking, before it departed the end of the runway and collided with trees. The wings were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.