What happened
The aircraft was being flown to a uni-directional airport with an instructor pilot (CFI) in the right front seat and a student pilot/prospective buyer in the left front seat. The runway elevation was 2230 ft MSL at the south end and 2350 ft at the north end. North of the runway, the terrain continued to rise and the approach end of runway 18 was obstructed by trees up to 100 ft tall. Landings were prohibited on runway 18 and all night operations were prohibited to transient pilots. According to the operator (aircraft), the CFI said he was aware of the obstructions and limitations and was familiar with the airport.
A witness observed the aircraft touch down at night approximately 1/4 of the way down the runway, then bounce. The aircraft disappeared from his view, but several witnesses heard what they described as application of full power. During a go-around, the aircraft hit the tops of the trees near the north end of the runway, then crashed and burned. One of the passengers was a pilot and was a resident of Weaverville, CA.
The investigation
The investigation revealed that the CFI was aware of the obstructions and limitations at the airport. However, the aircraft's nighttime operations were prohibited to transient pilots. The witness observed the aircraft touch down at night approximately 1/4 of the way down the runway, then bounce. The aircraft disappeared from his view, but several witnesses heard what they described as application of full power.
Findings
The application of full power during the go-around was a critical factor in the accident. The terrain continued to rise north of the runway, and the approach end of runway 18 was obstructed by trees up to 100 ft tall. The aircraft hit the tops of the trees near the north end of the runway, then crashed and burned.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware of airport-specific limitations and obstructions, especially during nighttime operations. Transient pilots should verify all restrictions before attempting landings or go-arounds at unfamiliar airports.