Incident Overview
An aircraft touched down on the top of a flood control dike approximately 12 feet wide. During the landing roll, it continued for about 1,336 feet before the left wheel slid off the dike at a point where the dike made a slight curve to the right. As the left wheel departed the dike, the left landing gear was torn from the aircraft.
Sequence of Events
After the left gear separated, the left wing struck heavy brush, causing the aircraft to rotate 180 degrees. Subsequently, the nose gear was torn from the aircraft, and the right landing gear collapsed during the crash sequence.
Post-Accident Findings
Examination of the aircraft revealed that all cabin seats had been removed and the aircraft was gutted by fire. The aircraft's fuel caps were found on the ground next to the aircraft. An unidentified body was located approximately 835 feet north of the aircraft. No one has claimed ownership of the aircraft, and the address of the registered owner is non-existent. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, was killed.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the accident involved three occurrences. Occurrence #1 was an on-ground/water encounter with terrain/water during the landing roll. The findings for this occurrence stated: (1) Planning/decision was inadequate on the part of the pilot in command, and (2) Directional control was not maintained by the pilot in command. Occurrence #2 was a main landing gear collapse during the landing roll. Occurrence #3 was a nose gear collapse during the landing roll.