NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that he made an approach to a grass airstrip in light rain conditions with mist. During the landing flair, the airplane encountered a rain shower and the pilot's visibility was obscured. The pilot commenced the landing but he lost visibility of the runway. The airplane touched down left of the runway centerline and veered off the left side of the runway. He recalled that, "By the time I was aware of my position it was not possible to correct," and the airplane impacted the trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the both wing spars and engine mounts.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s loss of runway visibility during landing in rain, which resulted in the pilot’s loss of situational awareness and subsequent loss of airplane control.