Departure and Initial Approach
A student pilot departed in his own airplane, heading to his flight instructor's airstrip. He estimated the winds at departure from the southwest. Upon arrival at his destination, he attempted to land on runway 31, a 1,400-foot grass strip. During the first approach, he determined that his speed was too high and executed a go-around.
Second Approach and Accident
For the second attempt, the student reported that he was again fast on final approach. Despite this, he elected to continue the landing. The airplane touched down approximately at mid-field. It then skidded toward the end of the runway, where it entered a drainage ditch and nosed over. The student estimated the winds at the time to be from the southeast at 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots.
Pilot's Assessment
The student stated that he should have performed a go-around.