NTSB Factual Report

On November 18, 2005, at 1030 Pacific standard time, a Cessna P210R airplane, N6122A, overran the end of runway 31 and impacted a perimeter fence during an aborted landing at the Palo Alto Airport, Palo Alto, California. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the pilot and three passengers were not injured. The airline transport pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 as a business flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from LaVerne, California, at 0850, and was destined for Palo Alto.

According to the pilot's written statement, the air traffic controller asked him to conduct "S" turns to provide spacing for a departing airplane. The pilot complied with the request, but ended up landing long on the 2,443-foot runway. He elected to abort the landing due to the lack of remaining runway; however, was unable to accelerate enough to takeoff. The airplane overran the end of the runway and impacted a perimeter fence.

The pilot indicated there was nothing wrong with the airplane. The pilot's total flight experience consisted of 22,400 flight hours, of which 280 hours were accumulated in the accident airplane make and model.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's misjudged altitude and distance, which resulted in an overrun, and his failure to execute a timely go-around during the approach.