Accident Sequence
Immediately after touching down on a short grass airstrip, the pilot observed an irrigation pipe laid out across the runway. He decided to abort the landing and apply full power. The airplane became airborne again but did not climb over the rising terrain and obstructions ahead of it. The airplane impacted a tree near the departure end of the airstrip.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had previously landed at the airstrip on numerous occasions, always to a full stop. On the day of the accident, the pilot made a straight-in approach to the airstrip without first surveying the landing area from the air.
Performance Considerations
The pilot stated that he attempted to outclimb the terrain with partial flaps and 42 miles per hour of airspeed during the aborted landing, but without success. Performance information charts indicate that the best climb speed should have been about 57 miles per hour and the flaps should have been retracted.
Airstrip Owner's Statement
The owner of the airstrip stated that he advises all pilots to never attempt go-arounds at the airstrip.