Incident Overview
A private pilot conducted a go-around on the first approach to a runway. On a second attempt, the pilot reported a strong crosswind. During final approach, the aircraft began to sink as it passed over trees. The aircraft touched down but veered off the left side of the runway, striking a runway light. The pilot added full power, aborted the landing, and returned to the departure airport, where a landing was completed without further incident.
Pilot Experience
The pilot held a private pilot certificate and had accumulated 61 hours of total flight time, including approximately 5 hours in the accident make and model of aircraft.
Sequence of Events
- First approach: go-around performed.
- Second approach: strong crosswind encountered; aircraft descended over trees on final.
- Touchdown followed by left veer off runway.
- Collision with a runway light.
- Go-around initiated; flight returned to departure airport for an uneventful landing.