What happened
The pilot initially intended to land on runway 17 but switched to runway 35 after receiving information from another aircraft that it was the active runway. Witnesses reported that winds at the time were from the east, with speeds ranging from light and variable to 5 to 7 mph. The pilot stated that an approach speed of 95 knots was maintained, although the ground speed appeared high. A witness observed N7846Q touching down approximately halfway down the runway.
After touchdown, the pilot noted a tailwind indicated by the windsock and realized there was insufficient runway remaining to execute a go-around. Brakes were applied immediately. The aircraft rolled off the end of the runway and entered a culvert. Skid marks were found on the runway starting near the estimated touchdown point and continuing past the end. A witness who had reported easterly winds noted that 45 minutes later, upon returning to the airport, the winds had shifted to the south and increased in strength.
The investigation
Investigation of the scene revealed skid marks on the runway surface, confirming the braking action occurred near the midpoint of the available pavement. The presence of a culvert at the runway end contributed to the final resting position of the aircraft. No mechanical failures were reported prior to the incident.
Findings
Contributing factors included the pilot's decision to continue the approach despite apparent high ground speed and the shifting wind conditions. The transition from easterly to southerly winds created an unexpected tailwind component at touchdown, reducing braking effectiveness. Runway excursion was the primary outcome of these combined factors.