Incident Overview
A pilot and three passengers were conducting a night cross-country flight intended to reach a destination for a camping trip. During the flight, the pilot became disoriented and approached what he believed was his intended airport. He noted that the runway alignment appeared "not correct" but activated the airport's runway lights and initiated an approach to land.
Approach and Go-Around
While on the approach, the pilot realized that the airport was not his intended destination. Despite this, he decided to land in order to determine his location. However, on short final, he observed that he was too high to land safely and chose to execute a go-around. He increased engine power to full but could not achieve a positive rate of climb. The pilot reported that he thought he had retracted one notch of flaps. However, subsequent examination of the flap handle revealed that the flaps were fully retracted.
Collision and Fire
During the go-around, the pilot turned to the left to avoid rising terrain. While turning, the airplane collided with trees and subsequently caught fire.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airframe and engine disclosed no pre-existing deficiencies that could have contributed to the accident. The flap handle was found in the fully retracted position, contrary to the pilot's belief that he had only partially retracted the flaps.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that the night was dark and that he became disoriented during the flight. He acknowledged that he activated the runway lights at the airport he mistakenly approached. He expressed that his decision to land was to confirm his location, but the high approach forced a go-around maneuver.