What happened
The pilot reported that upon touchdown on an airstrip that also functions as a roadway, the aircraft encountered a depression in the pavement surface. This irregularity caused the aircraft to porpoise and depart from the left side of the prepared surface. The pilot applied additional power to regain control and return to the prepared surface. Subsequently, the pilot attempted a balked landing, but the aircraft collided with trees located off the right side of the strip.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the final approach and landing phase. Examination confirmed that the airstrip served dual purposes as a roadway, which contributed to surface irregularities. The pilot's actions included applying power to correct the departure from the surface and initiating a balked landing maneuver.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was the encounter with a depression in the airstrip surface during landing. This surface defect caused the aircraft to porpoise and temporarily leave the prepared area. The subsequent collision with trees occurred while the pilot was attempting to execute a balked landing after regaining the surface.
Safety message
Pilots operating on airfields that serve as roadways should be aware of potential surface irregularities and depressions that may affect aircraft handling during touchdown.