Accident Details
The airplane overran the runway and collided with trees during the landing phase. According to the pilot, the accident occurred when the aircraft encountered strong, gusty winds on final approach.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that the winds were estimated from 270 to 290 degrees at a velocity of 15 knots. Just prior to touchdown, the airplane encountered a gust from 290 degrees that caused the plane to balloon. When the airplane settled onto the runway, the brakes locked, causing the plane to swerve onto the grass. The pilot stated, "I was able to steer it back to the runway but couldn't stop it before it went over the end of the runway and down the bank." The airplane continued down the embankment and collided with trees.
Post-Accident Comments
When asked how the accident could have been prevented, the pilot reported that the accident was a result of a failure to initiate a go-around procedure. He elaborated that this failure should have been avoided by having pre-set parameters, specifically a maximum acceptable touchdown point, which should lead to an automatic decision to go around, avoiding the temptation to try to save the landing simply because the wheels are on the ground. He further noted that training to this effect should be emphasized.