Flight and Approach
According to the pilot, all systems on the airplane were fully operational and the flight to his destination was uneventful. He descended to 1,500 feet MSL and entered the traffic pattern on the downwind leg. On the base leg, he selected 10 degrees of flaps. While crossing the 194-foot displaced threshold of the 2,610-foot runway, he noticed that the airspeed was slow.
Landing Attempt and Go-Around
During the flare for landing, the pilot closed the throttle. He recalled rolling out on the grass next to the runway. In an attempt to remain parallel to the runway, he aborted the landing. The airplane accelerated after he raised the flaps. Once airborne, the pilot recalled that 'the airplane did not seem to climb, and the engine sounded correct for full power.'
Impact and Investigation
The airplane was observed in a nose-high attitude, with wings rocking, as it impacted a 20-foot-high embankment at the departure end of the runway. Investigators found no mechanical anomalies with the airframe or engine.