Accident Details
The aircraft was substantially damaged during landing rollout while attempting to return to the runway surface after initially touching down in the grass area adjacent to the runway. The accident occurred during the Experimental Aircraft Association Air Venture Convention, where special flight procedures were in effect.
The procedures provided two alternate landing points on the runway, in addition to the runway threshold. The first point was approximately one-quarter of the way down the runway, and the second was about one-half of the way down the runway.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that while on base leg, an aircraft crossed his assigned landing point, which was approximately halfway down the runway. To provide additional spacing, he reportedly extended the base leg. However, the aircraft "got too low for the tight turn" to final and he landed on the grass adjacent to the runway.
The pilot reported that he landed normally in the grass and then attempted to steer back onto the runway surface. During the process, the aircraft hit a runway light, skidded across the pavement, and impacted an airport sign. The aircraft came to rest in the grass on the opposite side of the runway.
The pilot noted that he was unsure of the go-around procedure due to the density of traffic in the pattern at the time. No malfunctions with the aircraft or engine were reported by the pilot.