Accident Overview
The pilot was returning from a skydiving drop when he entered the airport traffic pattern. While maneuvering, he experienced an inflight loss of control, and the aircraft struck trees short of the runway.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, just before turning to final, he "heard what sounded like a stone hitting the side of an automobile." Immediately after, the airplane rolled left despite his corrective aileron control input. The pilot initiated a go-around; however, the uncommanded left roll continued. The aircraft proceeded through about 180 degrees of turn before the airspeed decreased, the aircraft pitched down, and a collision with trees occurred.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the aileron cable had fractured.