NTSB Factual Report

On June 27, 2006, about 0930 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Eklund Thorp T-18, N181RE, overran the runway at Calaveras County-Maury Rasmussen Field, San Andreas, California. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The cross-country personal flight departed Stockton Metropolitan Airport, Stockton, California, about 0900, with a planned destination of San Andreas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot submitted a written report. He was flying to San Andreas to meet a flight instructor for a biennial flight review. He arrived 5 miles west of the Calaveras County airport and reported his landing intentions and altitude on the Universal Communications (UNICOM) frequency. Two other aircraft were in the area. The pilot flew over the field then turned back toward the airport, announcing his intention to enter right downwind for runway 31. As he approached his turn to base, the pilot of one of the other aircraft announced that he had visual contact. The pilot completed his turns to right base and final for runway 31. His speed was higher than normal and he tried to slow down by extending full flaps. It became obvious to him that he would overshoot the numbers at the approach end of the runway, but he continued his approach and touched down near midfield. Brake application was inadequate to stop the airplane due to its high speed and the runway distance remaining. The airplane overran the departure end of the runway, skidded, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.

The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's misjudged airspeed and distance during the approach, and his failure to initiate a timely go-around, which resulted in a landing overrun.