What happened
The flight to the destination proceeded without incident, with the pilot reporting that all aircraft systems were fully operational. Upon descending to 1,500 feet MSL, the pilot entered the traffic pattern on the downwind leg. During the base leg, 10 degrees of flaps were selected. As the aircraft crossed the 194-foot displaced threshold for the 2,610-foot runway, the pilot observed that the airspeed was slow.
During the landing flare, the pilot closed the throttle and realized the aircraft was rolling out on the grass adjacent to the runway. The pilot attempted to abort the landing while maintaining a path parallel to the runway. After raising the flaps, the airplane accelerated and became airborne; however, the pilot noted that the aircraft failed to climb despite the engine sounding correct for full power. The aircraft was observed in a nose-high attitude with rocking wings before it impacted a 20-foot high embankment located at the departure end of the runway.
The investigation
The investigation found no mechanical anomalies regarding the engine or the airframe.