20060527031069A

(-23) According to the pilot, UNICOM was contacted to determine the landing runway, however there was no answer as the office was closed. The pilot entered the downwind for a landing on runway 27. Runway 27 is 2,903 feet in length. According to the pilot, she did not locate the windsock to determine wind direction and velocity. The winds were assumed to favor a landing on runway 27. According to the pilot this assumption was made as during the enroute phase of the flight the pilot had heard knoxville approach control issuing instructions to other aircraft for landing on runway 23 at knoxville. Knoxville is located approximately 73 miles northwest of the landing airport. The airport manager at the landing airport arrived within 15 minutes of the accident. He estimated the winds were out of the east at approximately 5 knots. According to the passenger (who is a pilot), the approach was high and a little fast with the aircraft touching down at least half way down the 2,903 foot runway. He thought the aircraft could be stopped before the runway end, however the aircraft rolled off the departure end of runway 27 and into a ditch. The ditch is located approximately 50 feet beyond the departure end of runway 27. The ditch is approximately 4 feet deep by 8 feet wide and contained a small creek. The impact tore loose the nose wheel, pushed the engine up, and bent the engine mount, firewall and fuselage near the door. The aircraft received substantial damage and the pilot and passenger received minor injuries.