NTSB Factual Report

The airplane contacted fence posts, a fence, and a tree during an aborted landing. The pilot reported he made a go around on his first landing approach because he was coming in high and long. He stated the second approach was high, but he landed on the runway. He stated he felt he did not have enough runway left to stop so he added full power. The pilot reported he did not receive the expected response from the airplane, so he pulled the power off and landed the airplane back on the runway. An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration, Belleville, Michigan, Flight Standards District Office examined the grass airstrip and the airplane after the accident. The inspector reported the ground tracks began more than half way down the 2,740 foot long runway and right of the runway center. The inspector reported that ground scars indicate the left wing contacted the ground and the airplane slid to the left back toward the centerline. He reported the tire tracks disappeared approximately 120 feet from the end of the runway. The airplane then contacted several fence posts, separating a tip of one of the propeller blades. Ground marks indicate the right wing then contacted the ground prior to the airplane contacting a chain link fence and a fence post. The leading edge of the right wing then contacted a tree trunk about 6 feet above ground level, separating the outboard section of the wing. The airplane continued for a short distance prior to striking smaller trees and coming to rest. The landing was being made on runway 27 and the pilot reported the winds were from 040 degrees at 7 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot failed to perform a go-around which resulted in landing long on the airstrip. Factors associated with the accident were the tailwind, the pilot's selection of runway direction, the fence posts, the fence, and the trees which were contacted.