What happened
The pilot reported that he initially overflew the intended destination, which was a private ranch strip, before circling back to assess the field. He proceeded with a landing attempt on an asphalt runway measuring 2,200 feet in length. The aircraft touched down within the first 200 feet of the pavement. However, as soon as the pilot applied the brakes, the wheels locked and skidded. This loss of braking effectiveness was attributed to loose gravel scattered across the paved surface.
As the aircraft accelerated down the runway, it became apparent that stopping before the end of the pavement was impossible. Faced with the imminent risk of striking railroad ties located at the far end of the strip, the pilot made a critical decision. He shut down both engines and turned the aircraft to the right. The objective was to guide the airplane onto an adjacent dyke rather than continue straight into the obstruction.
Findings
The maneuver onto the dyke resulted in significant structural damage. Both the nose gear and the right main landing gear collapsed upon impact with the embankment. Environmental conditions at the time included a density altitude of approximately 3,200 feet, which may have affected aircraft performance during the takeoff and landing phases.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of assessing runway surface conditions before landing. Foreign object debris, such as loose gravel on paved surfaces, can severely compromise braking efficiency. Pilots operating in uncontrolled or private environments must remain vigilant for such hazards and plan accordingly to ensure adequate stopping distance is available.