What happened
The pilot initiated a landing approach on a grass runway measuring 2150 feet in length. The runway surface presented a complex gradient, sloping mostly uphill for the majority of its length but transitioning to a downhill slope at the departure end. At the time of the accident, wind conditions were reported from 215 degrees at 10 knots, with gusts reaching 15 knots.
A witness positioned near the approach end of the runway observed the aircraft touch down beyond the midpoint of the strip. The aircraft then disappeared over the crested end of the runway. Another witness, located near the departure end, heard the aircraft and turned to watch what appeared to be a takeoff attempt. This individual stated that the aircraft was heading toward trees and that it looked like the pilot was attempting to pull up.
Subsequently, the aircraft collided with trees on downsloping terrain, crashed, and caught fire. One passenger, who was the pilot's son, survived the initial impact but later died due to injuries and burns sustained in the crash.
The investigation
An examination of the crash area revealed that the aircraft had struck a barbed wire fence prior to impacting the trees. Forensic analysis of the propeller showed that one of the blades had a radius nick mark on its leading edge consistent with contact with barbed wire.
The pilot had previously stated that at this airport, he preferred to always land uphill, regardless of the wind direction. However, the decision to initiate a downwind landing on a runway with a downhill departure slope contributed to the overrun.