What happened
The pilot in command was conducting practice touch-and-go landings when he decided to switch runways for his final approach. He selected a relatively short 1,650-foot grass runway for the landing attempt. Upon touchdown, the aircraft landed beyond the optimal point on the available surface. The pilot later acknowledged that he should have applied full power to initiate a go-around procedure immediately after realizing the landing was too long.
Instead of executing a missed approach, the pilot attempted to stop the aircraft using ground braking techniques. He admitted to being late in applying the brakes, which proved insufficient given the remaining distance. Consequently, the aircraft overran the end of the runway and came to rest in an adjacent ditch.
The investigation
Post-accident examination confirmed that the runway was turf and measured 1,650 feet in length. The pilot's statement indicated that the primary mechanical factor was the failure to utilize available thrust for a go-around and the delayed application of wheel brakes.