Accident Overview
A private pilot was flying an experimental homebuilt airplane in cruise when a vibration was felt in the control stick. In response, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing. During the approach to a field, the pilot misjudged the landing approach, and the airplane collided with a hill.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination of the airplane disclosed that the trim tab adjusting rod had separated from the trim tab. This allowed the trim tab to vibrate in the slipstream, which was consistent with the vibration reported by the pilot.
Pilot Actions
The pilot, holding a private certificate, elected to make a precautionary landing in an area of unsuitable terrain. The landing approach to the field was misjudged, leading to the collision with the hill.