Accident Overview
An accident occurred during the approach to landing at a destination airport. The airplane was observed on final approach with its flaps fully extended and the landing gear in the retracted position.
Events During Approach
During the landing attempt, the flaps and the cabin entry step made contact with the runway pavement. Subsequently, engine power increased and the nose of the airplane pitched downward, causing the propeller to strike the runway. The airplane then climbed, banked to the left, and struck several trees located approximately 500 feet before the departure end of the runway. The aircraft continued to climb but later descended into trees about half a mile from the airport. At the time of the tree impact, the airplane was in a nose-up attitude with the landing gear extended.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed no evidence of any pre-impact malfunction or failure. All systems appeared to be functioning normally before the collision.
Pilot Toxicology
Toxicology analysis detected diphenhydramine in the pilot's blood. Diphenhydramine is an over-the-counter antihistamine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms, and its presence was consistent with recent ingestion. In typical doses, this medication is known to commonly result in drowsiness and has measurable effects on performance of complex cognitive and motor tasks.