Overview
During a night instrument approach using the localizer for runway 17, the pilot descended below the published minimum descent altitude (MDA) to 720 feet MSL before visually acquiring the runway. The aircraft touched down at the midfield point of the 5000-foot runway with a 30-knot tailwind. Braking was reported as ineffective, and the aircraft overran the southern end of the runway, continuing approximately 800 feet before impacting a ditch and coming to a stop.
Sequence of Events
An airport attendant stated that the pilot did not contact UNICOM for wind information prior to the approach. The runway surface was described as damp, with no standing water present. After touchdown, the pilot attempted braking but found it ineffective. The aircraft departed the runway end, traversed 800 feet of terrain, and struck a ditch, which halted its forward motion.
Pilot Statement
The pilot acknowledged the occurrence and stated, "I was in a hurry and just fouled up."