Flight Details
The pilot departed Fairhope with a planned destination of Monroeville, Alabama. Winds were calm during departure, and the takeoff was to the south.
Meteorological Conditions
After flying approximately 5 miles toward the destination, the weather deteriorated, prompting the pilot to return to the departure airport. During the approach for landing to the south, a wind gust from the north increased the aircraft's touchdown speed. The runway was wet due to recent rain showers, resulting in poor braking action.
Landing Attempt
About midway down the runway, the pilot realized the airplane was not decelerating sufficiently and determined there was not enough remaining runway to abort the landing. Observing cars driving on the highway at the end of the runway, the pilot applied full left rudder and full engine power in an attempt to ground loop the airplane. The aircraft turned 90 degrees to the left and slid sideways.
Aftermath
The airplane slid into a ditch, causing the right main landing gear to collapse. The aircraft came to a stop with the right wing hanging over the highway.