Pilot Report
The pilot of an experimental amateur-built airplane reported feeling pressured by a trailing airplane while in the traffic pattern. This pressure caused him to turn base and final sooner than expected, resulting in an increased airspeed and higher than normal altitude on final approach.
Landing and Runway Excursion
Despite the unstable approach, the pilot decided to proceed with the landing, intending to use the length of the runway to reduce airspeed. However, the landing flare was affected by the higher airspeed, leading to a hard landing. During the landing roll, the airplane began to veer left and right, with the deviations progressively increasing. This resulted in a runway excursion to the left.
Impact and Fire
During the runway excursion, the airplane impacted a taxiway sign, which disabled the brake(s). The airplane continued across the airport until it impacted a parked airplane on the ramp. As a result of the impact, a post-impact fire ensued, and the airplane was destroyed.