Flight and Approach
The pilot had departed from the airport and later returned to conduct a full stop landing. During the final approach, she observed another aircraft in the traffic pattern behind her. She then decided to fly the final approach at a higher than normal airspeed and altitude.
Landing
The airplane touched down on the 4,000-foot runway at an estimated 2,000 feet from the approach end. The pilot stated that a slight crosswind was present during the landing. When she attempted to slow the airplane using the brakes, they seemed to be ineffective.
Runway Excursion
After touchdown, the airplane was unable to stop within the remaining runway length. It rolled off the departure end of the runway, crossed a two-lane road, and collided with a ditch. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The pilot's account indicates that the brakes were not functioning as expected, but no further explanation was provided.