Event Summary
The pilot of an airplane reported that he landed on an 1,800-foot asphalt runway in the rain at a speed of 70 miles per hour with full flaps deployed. During final approach, he considered initiating a go-around due to wind and weather conditions but decided against it, citing that the airplane was low, slow, and 130 pounds below maximum gross weight with dynamic wind conditions, and that apartment buildings were located about 400 yards beyond the end of runway 19.
Landing and Maneuvers
On touchdown, the airplane encountered a right crosswind and touched down approximately 600 feet beyond the runway threshold. The pilot then retracted the flaps and pulled the control wheel fully aft to increase weight on the main wheels. However, he perceived that the ground speed was high and suspected a tailwind. Heavy braking was applied. As the runway end neared, the pilot applied full left rudder to avoid a gully just beyond the runway. The airplane subsequently exited the runway end, veered left, entered the gully, and struck vegetation.
Environmental Conditions
The nearest automated weather observation station, located 10 nautical miles east of the accident site, reported wind from 270° at 13 knots gusting to 20 knots, visibility of 10 statute miles, and light rain.
Damage and Mechanical Status
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing spar and aileron. The pilot reported that no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures existed that would have prevented normal operation.
Pilot Comments
In the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot noted that the accident could have been prevented by executing a go-around after realizing the landing could not be accomplished within the first third of the runway. He also stated that the approaching rain and wind created personal pressure to land before conditions worsened, and that under normal dry conditions, heavy braking was required to avoid an overrun.