What happened
The incident occurred during a local flight operation near Coventryville, New York. The pilot had decided to perform a low-level pass to observe and inspect a building on the ground. After completing one pass, the aircraft was preparing for a second approach when the engine began to lose power.
While the pilot was planning to execute an emergency landing in a nearby field, the engine unexpectedly regained power. Consequently, the pilot discontinued the intended emergency landing procedure. However, the aircraft did not climb sufficiently to clear the surrounding vegetation. The aircraft collided with the tops of trees at an altitude of approximately 50 feet above ground level.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical status of the engine and the flight path relative to the terrain. Examination revealed that the engine had experienced a temporary loss of power followed by a recovery, which complicated the pilot's decision-making process regarding the emergency landing site.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the insufficient climb performance after the engine power fluctuation. The aircraft failed to gain enough altitude to clear the tree line while maneuvering near the ground. This collision with the tree tops resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and significant damage to its structure.