NTSB Factual Report

On March 12, 2007, about 1000 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-38-112, N2489P, veered off the runway and encountered a ditch during landing at Pine Mountain Lake Airport, Groveland, California. The Flight Center at Stockton was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The cross-country personal flight departed Stockton, California, about 0900, with a planned destination of Pine Mountain Lake. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot submitted a written report. He checked weather on DUATS prior to departing Stockton. When he arrived at Pine Mountain Lake, he flew over the airport, and observed the windsock, which looked limp. He entered right traffic for runway 27. He noted the mountainous terrain. He did two rejected landings and on the third attempt, he felt that he could land in the first third of the runway. The airplane floated, and landed in the last third of the runway. The airplane veered left, crossed a ditch, went down an embankment, and collided with trees.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control.