Incident Overview
An airplane overran the end of a 2,000-foot-long dirt airstrip and skidded into a block wall after executing a downwind landing. The pilot reported that the aircraft impacted the wall at approximately 20 mph. No mechanical malfunctions were identified.
Preflight and Weather Information
Before takeoff, the pilot spoke with the airstrip's owner, who stated that the wind was calm. Upon arriving at the airport, the pilot performed a straight-in approach to runway 09 without first verifying the local wind direction. Runway 27 was available for use. The airport was equipped with windsocks at the approach ends of both runways. Witnesses reported that the wind was from the west at about 15 knots at the time of the landing.
Landing and Sequence of Events
During the landing rollout, approximately midway down the runway, the pilot sensed that the airplane seemed to accelerate. Realizing there was insufficient remaining runway to execute a go-around, the pilot applied the brakes. The airplane departed the end of the runway and collided with a block wall.
Findings
The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical issues with the airplane. The investigation noted that the landing was conducted with a tailwind component, as the wind was from the west while the landing runway was 09 (eastward).