N23828

On May 31, 1995, at 2015 eastern daylight time, a Beech C23, N23828, collided with trees while landing at the Airways Estates Airpark, Lake Ann, Michigan, while on a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Frankfort, Michigan.

The pilot stated he misjudged the grass and "dew conditions" while landing to the north. He stated he was too close to the end of the airstrip to abort the landing. The airplane traveled off the end of the 1,960 foot long grass strip and collided with trees.

A witness stated he saw the airplane make a low approach for the east/west runway. It then appeared to leave the traffic pattern. The witness stated he next saw the airplane on final approach for runway 36. He stated the approach and touchdown looked "...fine for that particular runway" but that the airplane did not slow down once on the ground. He stated that it continued down the runway and seemed to "bounce a couple of times and then started to skid or fish tail." He stated the airplane continued off the end of the runway into a wooded area.

Winds reported at Traverse City, Michigan, near the time of the accident were from 240 degrees at 10 knots. The witness told a Benzie County Sheriff's Department Deputy that the pilot landed with a tailwind. The Sheriff's Department report indicates that wing flaps were set at 25 degrees when they inspected the airplane. The pilot told the witness after the accident that he did not use enough flaps for the landing.

The pilot indicated on the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, which he completed that he had not flown in the last 90 days. The pilot did not have a current medical certificate.