Incident Details
The pilot was conducting low passes down Runway 04. According to the pilot, after the second pass, while beginning to climb approximately one-half mile from the runway end, he struck a large bird. The impact shattered the windscreen, causing facial injuries to the pilot and dislodging his eyeglasses. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction prior to the event.
Landing Attempt and Collision
Following the bird strike, the pilot turned back to land on Runway 22. However, he mistakenly aligned the aircraft with Runway 19. While approaching, the aircraft struck a tree short of the runway and then collided with the ground on a course almost perpendicular to the runway. During the impact sequence, both engines separated from the aircraft and subsequently damaged two parked aircraft and three parked cars.
Investigation
A witness reported that the aircraft struck a tree about one-half mile from the airport before turning back to land. However, an examination of the aircraft and a ground search did not disclose evidence of a bird strike. The source does not specify any other contributing factors or probable cause.