Accident Narrative
According to the pilot's report, the initial wind assessment indicated winds from approximately 30 degrees right of the runway at 10 to 12 knots, favoring runway 22. However, during the final approach, the pilot observed that the wind had increased and was nearly 90 degrees from the right. Consequently, the pilot decided to land on a grass area adjacent to runway 22, which was approximately 1,000 feet long and oriented into the wind.
On final approach to the grass strip, the pilot noticed a fence bordering the end of the runway, which resulted in a higher and faster than normal approach. After touchdown, the pilot determined that the aircraft would not stop before the end of the runway and aborted the landing. During the aborted landing, the airplane's left wing impacted a tree, spinning the aircraft 180 degrees to the left before it fell to the ground in an upright position.
Weather Observations
A weather observation taken approximately 10 minutes before the accident from an airport located 38 nautical miles west of the accident airport reported winds from 310 degrees at 17 knots with gusts to 24 knots. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft prior to the flight.