What happened
During an initial approach to a 2,999-foot runway, the pilot of a Beech C23 performed a go-around because the aircraft was too high and fast. After completing a circuit of the airport traffic pattern, the pilot descended to 500 feet on the final approach leg with one notch of flaps extended.
Approximately one-quarter mile from the runway threshold, the pilot reduced engine power to idle. The aircraft crossed the threshold at an airspeed of 90 mph and an altitude of 75 feet. Upon touching down within the first 1,000 feet of the runway, the aircraft bounced and floated for an additional 500 feet before a second touchdown occurred near the midpoint of the runway.
The pilot applied the brakes, but the aircraft failed to decelerate as anticipated. With only 500 feet of runway remaining, the pilot chose to continue the landing roll rather than aborting. The Beech C23 subsequently departed the end of the runway and encountered a ditch, where it came to rest in an upright position. There were no injuries reported.
The investigation
During the recovery of the aircraft, a mechanic noted that the brakes appeared to be worn. The pilot indicated that had he been aware of the condition of the brakes, he would not have operated the aircraft.