Incident Overview
During a series of landing attempts on Runway 21, an aircraft twice flared about 10 feet above the runway before initiating a go-around. On the second go-around, the aircraft appeared low and slow, and during a left turn descended into trees located on airport property.
Weather and Environmental Conditions
Official airport weather observations recorded winds from 290 degrees at six knots during the accident time frame. No unusual meteorological phenomena were noted before or after the accident. The density altitude was calculated to be about 8,700 feet.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that gusting crosswinds pushed the aircraft away from the runway during each landing attempt. On the second go-around, a downdraft forced the aircraft into the trees after he had drifted left over wooded terrain. Additionally, the pilot stated that the carburetor heat was left in the on position during the second go-around.
ATC Observations
Air traffic controllers in the tower cab observed the two landing attempts, each aborted when the aircraft flared above the runway. They noted that during the second go-around, the aircraft appeared low and slow before descending during a left turn and colliding with trees.