According to the pilot, he was on the final approach leg of the traffic pattern at 80 mph and landed on the 2,590-foot, turf runway. During the rollout, the pilot applied the brakes, but the airplane continued off the end of the runway, impacted a fence, and came to rest in a nose low position. During the accident sequence, the airplane incurred substantial damage to the wing spars. A subsequent examination of the wreckage revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. According to the Ercoupe Instruction Manual, the landing approach airspeed should be "between 60 and 70 mph."