NTSB Factual Report

The pilot stated that he had overflew the airstrip to observe the windsock and noted that the wind favored runway 02, which is a 2,000 foot-long grass runway. He flew an approach to that runway, but executed a go-around because the flight was too high. He remained in the traffic pattern and with the flaps set to 40 degrees, the airplane touched down at a point 800 to 1,000 feet from the approach end of the runway at 90 mph; he typically lands at 70 mph. He later stated that at touchdown, the wind shifted. After touchdown on the grass which was wet, he applied the brakes but the airplane would not stop. Because he was too far down the runway to perform a go-around, he continued on the ground with the brakes applied. The airplane traveled off the end of the runway where the right wing collided with a fence. The airplane then traveled through a ditch and came to rest upright in a field. The pilot reported there was no preimpact failure or malfunction with the airplane or its systems. Postaccident inspection of the airplane and airstrip by a FAA inspector revealed damage to the right wing including the lift strut. Marks on the runway revealed the airplane touched down about 800 feet before the departure end of the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the pilot to initiate a go-around and his excessive airspeed on the final landing approach.