Incident Details
A pilot was assisting ground agents of the United States Border Patrol in pursuit of an illegal alien. While visually monitoring the pursuit from an altitude of 500 feet above ground level (AGL), the pilot decided to make an off-airport landing to assist the ground agents.
Maneuver Sequence
The pilot configured the airplane with power idle, airspeed 45 mph, and flaps set to 30 degrees. He then initiated a 60-degree bank descending turn for landing. During the descent, the airspeed increased to approximately 60 mph. When the pilot leveled the wings, the aircraft had a rapid closure rate with the ground, estimated at 1,500 to 2,000 feet per minute.
Recognizing that the descent rate was too high, the pilot initiated a go-around. However, the airplane impacted the ground, rotated to the right while skidding, and came to rest 90 degrees to the approach path.
Terrain and Outcome
The terrain consisted of root-plowed ground that was rough with patches of grass. The aircraft came to rest in this terrain after the impact and skid.