Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to obtain a proper touch down location on a wet grass runway, resulting in a runway overrun and impact with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the airplane reported that, while landing on a private grass 1500 ft. runway, the airplane landed “slightly long and fast.” During the landing roll, flaps were immediately raised, and brakes were applied, however the braking was ineffective on the wet grass. The safety pilot called for a go-around. The pilot was concerned there was insufficient room to accelerate and elected to decelerate instead of attempting a go-around. The airplane exited the departure end of the runway, impacted terrain, and came to rest upright. The airplane’s lower fuselage was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.