Incident Overview
A pilot flying into an unfamiliar area descended below 500 feet above ground level and landed on an abandoned drag race strip located about three miles from the intended destination airport. The drag strip had dirt piles placed on its surface, which were intended to discourage automobile racing. Shortly after touchdown, the aircraft lost directional control when it collided with these dirt piles. The aircraft continued off the edge of the strip and came to rest after rolling into a tree.
Sequence of Events
The pilot approached the area at an altitude of less than 500 feet AGL and selected the abandoned drag strip as a landing site. Upon touchdown, the aircraft encountered dirt piles on the strip, leading to an immediate loss of directional control. The collision with the dirt piles caused the aircraft to veer off the prepared surface. The aircraft then rolled into a tree located off the edge of the strip, where it came to a stop.
Background
The pilot had been issued his certificate on July 18, 1984. The abandoned drag strip was situated approximately three miles from the destination airport. The dirt piles on the strip were placed specifically to prevent automobile racing activity on the abandoned facility. No other details regarding the aircraft, passengers, or additional circumstances are available.