Events as Witnessed
Witnesses reported that the airplane made a landing approach with a quartering tailwind. They observed the airplane hit the runway hard and bounce into the air two times. After the second bounce, the engine went to full power. The airplane then flew through five trees before colliding with the second story of a home. Shortly after the airplane's occupants were removed from the airplane, an explosion occurred in the home.
Pilot's Account
The pilot said he initiated a go-around as the airplane neared the runway's midpoint. He stated that he focused on the trees in front of him and pulled significantly on the yoke, trying to make the airplane climb. The pilot also said he was not familiar with the terms "back side of the power curve" or "region of reverse command."
Training Background
The accident pilot's instructor was asked how he taught landings. The instructor said that the landing technique comes to the student through flying "a whole bunch" with the student. The accident pilot reported that his private pilot checkride lasted about 35 minutes, and his logbook records confirm this. However, the FAA Designated Pilot Examiner's records showed 1.2 hours spent on a flight test.