Accident Overview
A pilot landing at an unlighted, gravel runway at dusk inadvertently touched down on a grass-covered drainage ditch located to the right of the gravel runway. During the subsequent landing roll, the airplane collided with a drainage culvert, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
Pilot Statement
In his written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the pilot reported that he was unable to discern the difference between the gravel runway and the grass-covered terrain due to the low-light conditions. He mistakenly selected the grass-covered ditch for landing. The pilot also indicated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Aircraft Damage
The collision with the drainage culvert resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. No further details regarding the extent of damage were provided.
Contributing Factors
No official probable cause has been determined, but the pilot cited low-light conditions and the similarity in appearance between the gravel runway and surrounding grass-covered terrain as factors in the accident.