Incident Overview
A pilot and three passengers were on a flight to a 1,750 ft airstrip located at a vineyard. The airstrip owner reported that he informed the pilot about the strip's location on the side of a hill, with terrain rising rapidly to the east and north, and lower terrain to the south.
Approach and Go-Around
During an approach from the west, the pilot elected to perform a go-around. Witnesses observed the aircraft flying slowly over Runway 7 with the landing gear extended.
Final Maneuver
After flying past the end of the runway, the aircraft was seen entering a left turn toward rising terrain. It cleared the top of a hill but struck two trees just beyond the hilltop and subsequently crashed.
Aircraft Condition
Post-accident examination found the landing gear in the extended position. The aircraft's landing gear system featured an automatic mechanism that kept the gear extended below 85 mph, unless an override device was used.
Pilot Experience
This was the pilot's first flight to the airstrip.