Incident Overview
A pilot landing at an unfamiliar airport experienced a runway excursion after touching down long on runway 13. The airport manager observed the approach and commented that it appeared too high. The pilot, who had never visited the airport before, acknowledged that the approach was high and that the touchdown occurred further down the runway than intended.
Sequence of Events
Approaching the airport, the pilot checked the windsock and noted calm wind conditions. Despite the calm conditions, the pilot chose to land on runway 13. The Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Facility Directory indicates that runway 13 is 2,500 feet long with a 400-foot displaced threshold due to the presence of trees. For calm wind conditions, the directory recommends using runway 31. After touching down long, the airplane had insufficient remaining runway to decelerate. It skidded approximately 150 feet beyond the departure end of the runway and struck trees.
Pilot and Observer Accounts
The pilot reported that this was a first-time visit to the airport. The airport manager, who witnessed the landing, opined that the approach was too high. The pilot acknowledged the high approach and the resulting long landing. No further details about the aircraft or occupants were provided in the source.