Accident Details
The accident occurred when a pilot initiated a downwind landing on a grass runway. The runway sloped mostly uphill but began sloping downhill at its departure end. The aircraft touched down beyond the midpoint of the 2,150-foot runway and then disappeared over the crest at the departure end.
Witness Observations
A witness near the approach end observed the aircraft touch down beyond the midpoint and then disappear over the crest. Another witness near the departure end heard the aircraft and turned to watch, believing it was taking off. This witness stated that the aircraft was headed toward trees and appeared as though the pilot was trying to pull up.
Collision and Aftermath
Shortly after disappearing from view, the aircraft collided with trees on downsloping terrain, crashed, and burned. One passenger, the pilot's son, survived the initial crash but later died due to his injuries and burns.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the crash area revealed that the aircraft had struck a barb wire fence before impacting the trees. One propeller blade had a barb-wire radius nick mark on its leading edge. The wind at the time of the accident was reported as 215 degrees at 10 knots, gusting 15 knots.
Pilot Background
The pilot had previously stated that at this airport, he preferred to always land uphill, regardless of the wind direction.