On December 7, 1993, at 1405 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 177RG, N52039, overran runway 21 at Santa Monica Airport, Santa Monica, California. The pilot was completing a visual flight rules personal flight. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at Carson City Airport, Carson City, Nevada, at 1040 hours. Ground witnesses reported that the airplane landed "long and fast." The airplane bounced three times and then exited the departure end of the runway. The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that he became confused with the local controller's instructions, but ultimately entered the downwind leg. The pilot said that the prevailing haze conditions obscured his vision until the airplane descended below 1,000 feet mean sea level. He continued the approach and landed at midfield, but the airplane bounced two times. After arresting the bounced landing, with about 1,200 feet of runway remaining, the pilot elected to continue the landing maneuver. The pilot was unable to stop the airplane on the runway. The airplane overran the end of the runway and came to rest down the embankment. He also indicated in the accident report form that the airplane did not experience any mechanical malfunctions or failures.