Background
The pilot reported completing four full-stop taxi back landings to runway 09 and one full-stop taxi back landing to runway 27 prior to the accident. She then departed runway 27 for another circuit in the traffic pattern.
Sequence of Events
While on short final approach, the pilot realized that she was aligned with a taxiway rather than the intended runway. In an effort to correct the misalignment, she maneuvered the airplane to the left. The aircraft subsequently touched down on the runway, bounced, and then departed the left side of the runway onto the adjacent grass. After leaving the runway surface, the airplane collided with a ditch.
Damage and Mechanical Status
The collision resulted in substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported that the airplane experienced no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to impact that would have prevented normal operation.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot stated that the accident could have been avoided had she initiated a go-around upon recognizing the misalignment, rather than attempting to salvage the approach.