Event Description
According to the pilot, after landing during the first approach, the airplane pulled to the left. He aborted the landing and set up for another attempt. On the second landing, the pilot stated he approached at a slower speed and touched down on the center of the runway. When he lowered the nose gear, the airplane turned left, departed the runway, and struck trees. The impact sheared off the left wing tip and separated the right wing from the fuselage before the airplane came to a stop.
Witness Account
A witness provided an account to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the accident. The witness observed the airplane pitching up and down during two landing attempts and described the flying as "radical." The witness, who has known the pilot for many years, stated that the pilot "does not fly that way."
Occupants and Inspection
The pilot's 14-year-old grandson was seated in the front next to the pilot, while two other passengers occupied the center row of seats. The FAA inspector reported that "no evidence of nose wheel failure was discovered" during the examination.