What happened
The private pilot was attempting to land the aircraft on a short, unpaved surface. The runway consisted of a grass strip measuring approximately 1,600 feet in length. Environmental conditions were reported as calm with no significant wind. However, the grass surface was wet, likely reducing friction and braking effectiveness.
During the approach, the pilot touched down roughly one-third of the way down the available distance. The aircraft bounced upon initial contact with the ground. Following the bounce, the pilot attempted to regain control and landed again near the middle of the strip. Despite these efforts, the pilot was unable to bring the aircraft to a halt within the remaining length of the grass runway.
The aircraft continued forward, overrunning the end of the usable surface. It subsequently collided with a drainage ditch located adjacent to the runway. This impact resulted in structural damage to the airframe. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the aircraft prior to the incident.
The investigation
Examination of the event focused on the landing dynamics and surface conditions. The primary issue was the inability to stop within the limited distance provided by the 1,600-foot grass strip. The wet condition of the grass likely contributed to reduced braking performance after the bounce.
Findings
The accident occurred due to a bounced landing on a short, wet grass runway. The pilot could not stop the aircraft in time, leading to an overrun and collision with a ditch. Structural damage resulted from this impact. No mechanical failure was involved.