LAX99LA297

Approaching the airport, the pilot observed the windsock and noted it indicated calm wind conditions. He chose to land on runway 13. The airport manager observed the airplane land and opined that its approach had been too high. The pilot reported that he had never been to the airport and acknowledged that his approach was high and he touched down long. With insufficient runway to decelerate, the airplane skidded 150 feet off the runway's departure end and impacted trees. The FAA's Airport Facility Directory indicated that runway 13 is 2,500 feet long and has a 400-foot displaced threshold due to the presence of trees. During calm wind conditions, runway 31 should be used.

On September 5, 1999, about 1408 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 205, N1854Z, owned and operated by the pilot, overran the departure end of runway 13 and collided with trees during landing rollout at the uncontrolled Ocean Ridge Airport, Gualala, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the private pilot was not injured. The flight was performed under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Watsonville, California, about 1241.

The Gualala Airport manager reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he observed the accident airplane during its approach and landing. At the time, the wind was calm. The airplane's approach path appeared to be too high, and the pilot touched down beyond midfield. Thereafter, the airplane skidded off the departure end of the runway, veered left, and impacted trees about 150 feet beyond the runway's end.

The pilot reported to the Safety Board investigator that, prior to the accident, he had never landed at the Ocean Ridge Airport. Upon arriving over the field he noted the windsock, and the wind was calm. He stated that his approach was too high, he touched down long, and there was insufficient remaining runway to stop. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were experienced with the airplane.

According to the "Airport Facility Directory," runway 13 is 2,500 feet long, and it has a 400-foot displaced threshold due to the presence of trees. During calm wind conditions, runway 31 should be used.