Event Description
The airplane initiated its approach to land on an elevated runway, entering the traffic pattern. The runway had a displaced threshold because of tall trees at the approach end. Witnesses described the airplane's 'acrobatic' flight path, noting that it flew back and forth through the extended runway centerline, weaved through the trees, and descended below the runway elevation. The airplane then pitched up, climbed over the leading edge of the runway, and struck its tail prior to the threshold bar. After bouncing, the airplane departed the runway to the left and overflew an airplane parked at the hold-short line for the active runway. It continued to the left of the landing runway and came to rest in wetlands approximately 400 feet beyond and 1,140 feet left of the departure end of the runway.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that during the aborted landing, he experienced both full engine power and then a power loss.
Wreckage Examination
A detailed examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical anomalies. There was no fuel spillage at the scene.
Fuel Status
The left fuel tank contained 32 gallons of fuel, and the right fuel tank contained 1 gallon. Each tank has a 39-gallon capacity, of which 1.5 gallons is unusable. The fuel selector was positioned on the right tank.