Accident Overview
During the approach to a turf runway, the pilot reported being higher than necessary on final. The subsequent landing was made at the center of the 2,115-foot-long field. The pilot acknowledged that a go-around should have been initiated but did not realize the landing would be unsuccessful until it was too late to abort.
Sequence of Events
After touchdown, the aircraft continued beyond the end of the runway, entering an area of soft dirt and blackberry vines. To avoid a pile of brush that the pilot thought was directly ahead, left rudder was applied, causing the aircraft to ground loop. The pilot stated that this maneuver was performed to prevent a head-on impact with the brush.
Pilot Comments
The pilot indicated on the accident report that no mechanical malfunction or failure was involved in the accident. No other factors were cited as contributing to the event.