NTSB Factual Report

The pilot stated that she had executed four full-stop taxi back landings to runway 09, and one full-stop taxi back landing to runway 27. She departed runway 27, remained in the traffic pattern for that runway, but while on short final approach realized she was lined up with the taxiway. She maneuvered to the left in an attempt to salvage the approach, and touched down then bounced. The airplane travelled off the left side of the runway onto grass and collided with a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. She also stated that the accident could have been prevented by execution of a go-around.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to execute a go-around following an unstabilized approach, which resulted in a bounced landing and runway excursion.