Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that upon landing, a gust of wind blew the aircraft off the runway centerline, prompting him to initiate a go-around. Witnesses observed the aircraft climb to approximately 200 to 300 feet and begin a left turn. During the climb, engine power appeared to be minimal. After establishing a left bank, the aircraft abruptly turned to the right and nosed down, striking a tree nose-first and then impacting the ground. The aircraft was in a steep nose-low, right-wing-low attitude at the time of impact.
Pilot Information
Between March 21 and May 4, 1984, the pilot had accumulated 42 hours of flying time. Prior to this period, he had not flown for over 13 years. Additionally, he did not have a current biennial flight review. This was the pilot's first flight to Ruidoso Airport.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the wind was reported at 1430 MDT from 210 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The density altitude was calculated to be 9,298 feet.