What happened
The aircraft was on an approach during periods of gusty, crosswind conditions. As the aircraft reached the threshold, the pilot applied power and initiated a go-around accompanied by a left turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft passed at a very low altitude over trees located near the runway. Witnesses observed the tail pitch up, followed by the aircraft descending in a nose-down attitude before it crashed. The accident resulted in 1 fatality, involving a front-seat passenger who died from a severe head injury.
The investigation
The investigation found no evidence of any pre-existing mechanical failure or malfunction within the aircraft. It was noted that the aircraft had been modified to a tailwheel configuration via a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). Additionally, the aircraft was not equipped with shoulder harnesses. The pilot involved in the accident was a low-time pilot with only 6 hours of flight time in this specific make and model.
Findings
At the time of the accident, a SIGMET was in effect for windshear and occasional severe turbulence below 6,000 feet, and high winds were being reported across a large area. There was no record of a weather briefing being conducted by the pilot prior to the flight.