Approach and Diversion
While approaching Baldwin County, Georgia, from the north, Atlanta Approach Control warned of heavy rain over Milledgeville, Georgia, the intended destination. The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that the flight was in visual meteorological conditions at the time and that a storm was visible in the direction of the airport. As the flight neared the airport, it became apparent that landing would not be possible. The CFI canceled the instrument flight rules clearance and diverted to Deerfield Landing Airport, a privately owned airport with a grass strip.
Landing Attempt
During the approach, the student pilot was flying the airplane and had difficulty descending and flying the traffic pattern. On final approach, seeing that the airplane was too high, the CFI took over the flying duties and executed a full-flap landing. The CFI stated that the landing would be long and would require maximum braking effort, so he retracted the flaps. The brakes appeared to have no effect, and the airplane was unable to stop before reaching the end of the runway. It struck trees beyond the departure end.
Post-Accident Observations
According to the CFI, in a post-accident evaluation he realized that he should have noticed tailwind effects while on final approach. He also stated that with rain in the area, the grass runway was likely wet and slippery. He further noted that the genesis of the problem was attempting to land from a poor pattern; a go-around with a better pattern would have been the correct response.
Damage and Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane and found substantial damage to the right wing leading edge at the attachment point of the wing strut, as well as wrinkling of the empennage forward of the vertical stabilizer. The post-accident examination revealed no mechanical problems with the airplane.