Accident Overview
An aircraft was observed to touch down on Runway 36 with full flaps on a grass strip bordered on both sides by citrus groves. Surface winds in the area were from 120 degrees at 11 knots. After touchdown, the aircraft drifted to the left off the runway toward the grove.
Go-Around Attempt
Witnesses reported that full power was applied and, with full flaps still extended, a go-around was attempted with the nose in an extreme nose-high attitude. The left wing struck trees during the initial climb. The aircraft then passed over a 225-foot-wide grove, a canal, a road, and power lines before crashing into a 40-foot-high pine tree with full flaps still extended and still in an extreme nose-high attitude.
Pilot and Passenger Information
The pilot later stated that he had no recollection of the flight or accident. The pilot-rated passenger seated in the right front seat sustained severe head injuries and was not wearing his shoulder harness.
Aircraft Handbook Guidance
The pilot operating handbook for the aircraft states: "Flap deflections greater than 10 degrees are not recommended for takeoff."