Approach and Landing Attempt
The pilot intended to land approximately 1,000 feet down the 3,400-foot dirt runway because the first 1,000 feet were wet and soft, and the last 400 feet were also wet and soft. The wind was calm during the approach, but the approach speed was high.
During the flare, the aircraft ballooned and floated past the intended touchdown point. The pilot then assessed that the aircraft was too far down the runway to safely land and initiated a go-around.
Go-Around and Collision
The pilot had extended the flaps to more than 30 degrees. On this aircraft, the flap switch is spring-loaded to the off position. Additionally, the pilot had used carburetor heat during the approach and did not turn it off during the go-around.
As a result, the aircraft accelerated slowly. When the nose was raised to clear 50-foot trees off the end of the private strip, the aircraft mushed into the trees.