Runway Overrun After High, Fast Approach

Incident Summary

A pilot reported that during the landing approach, he entered the traffic pattern downwind and noted that the airplane's airspeed was too fast and the altitude was too high. Despite these conditions, the pilot decided to continue the landing. The airplane touched down approximately mid-field on a 1700-foot runway. The pilot attempted to use aerodynamic braking to slow the airplane, but it overran the end of the runway and subsequently collided with a drainage culvert.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left side elevator and the rudder. No other damage was reported.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.