Event Details
The pilot of a cross-country flight reported that the takeoff, climb, and en route portions were uneventful. Prior to landing, the pilot checked the wind sock and observed it was "flaccid," indicating calm wind. The pilot slowed the airplane to 80 mph on final approach and landed near the approach end of runway 5, which was 2,355 feet in length. The pilot estimated that the airplane should have rolled to a stop; however, it continued down the runway despite heavy braking. The airplane departed the end of the runway, traveled across a small road, and down an embankment, coming to rest in the water at the edge of the airport boundary.
Investigation
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and reported that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage and submersion in salt water. Tire skid marks were observed on the runway leading to the wreckage. A weather buoy located about 1 mile east of the airport recorded wind out of the west about the time of the accident, which would have resulted in a tail wind of up to 8 knots. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.