What happened
A pilot was conducting a personal flight departing from Payson when they arrived over the Pleasant Valley Airstrip. Upon arrival, the pilot observed the windsock wrapped downward around its pole, which indicated that calm winds were present.
The pilot initiated an approach to runway 22. However, ground witnesses reported that the aircraft was approaching the runway at a high speed and landing with a downwind component. Realizing that a tailwind existed, the pilot attempted a go-around maneuver.
During this maneuver, the pilot stated that a gust of wind caused the airplane to weathervane to the right. This caused the aircraft to strike the ground before ultimately colliding with trees located at the end of the runway. The pilot was not injured in the accident. While the pilot initially observed calm conditions, witnesses noted that prevailing winds were actually from the northeast at 10 to 15 knots.