Event Overview
An airplane overran the runway during a landing attempt and subsequently collided with trees. No mechanical malfunction was reported by the pilot.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported arriving overhead the airport around 2000 EDT, noting that it was almost dark at that time. During the approach, the pilot made approximately four or five passes, each time being high. Trees at the approach end of the runway made it difficult to judge height relative to the runway end, as the pilot could not see the tops of the trees. On the final pass, the pilot stated that the airplane touched down almost halfway down the runway. It became apparent that the airplane would not stop in time, and it was too late to abort the landing. Knowing there was a precipitous drop at the end of the runway, the pilot veered to the left, hoping the soft earth would slow the airplane to a stop. However, upon hitting the soft earth, control was lost, and the airplane ran into the trees.
Aftermath
The airplane overran the runway and collided with trees. The pilot's report did not indicate any mechanical malfunction during the event.