Accident Overview
During the arrival phase, the pilot decided to land on a sloping runway in the downhill direction. This decision was based on the presence of lower approach obstacles from that direction. The pilot reported that the aircraft touched down somewhat farther down the runway than intended. Upon touchdown, the brakes were applied. However, the braking effectiveness on the grass surface was less than anticipated. As a result, the aircraft continued slowly off the runway, traversed down an embankment, and came to rest on a railroad track. The aircraft then nosed over.
Pilot Report
The pilot provided details of the event, noting that the wind conditions were light and variable at the time of landing. She also offered an assessment that the accident might have been avoided by landing at the threshold, applying brakes immediately after touchdown, and holding back on the yoke while braking.
Environmental Conditions
While no specific wind information was available at the accident site, data from a weather station approximately 30 miles north northwest, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, indicated a wind direction of 130 degrees at a speed of 12 knots at 1950 Eastern Daylight Time.