Flight and Initial Approach
The pilot and two passengers arrived at their destination airport after a 1-hour flight. The pilot established a final approach to runway 26 but decided he was too high to land and performed a go-around. The runway length was 2,300 feet.
Subsequent Maneuvers
After the go-around, the pilot established a right turn to depart the area. He then thought he saw the airport and initiated a second approach, but realized it was not the airport. He initiated a climb out straight ahead and determined that he did not have enough turning room left or right, and the rising terrain was beyond the climb capability of the airplane.
Loss of Control and Impact
During the climb, the pilot gradually retracted the flaps, and the airplane began to sink. With the stall warning activated, the pilot selected and flew the airplane into a tall pine tree. The airplane then descended through trees and came to a stop on the ground.
Post-Accident Notes
The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane.