Accident Sequence
The airplane was cleared to land on runway 24 with reported winds from 170 degrees at 8 knots. During the landing, the left main wheel touched down first, followed by the right main wheel, and then the tail wheel. After the tail wheel contacted the runway, it began to vibrate. In response, the pilot released backpressure on the flight controls in an attempt to stop the vibration. Subsequently, the left wing started to rise, and the airplane began to weathervane to the left.
Aborted Landing
The pilot initiated an aborted landing. The airplane became airborne heading approximately 30 degrees left of the runway centerline, directly toward nearby buildings. The pilot then turned the airplane to the right to return toward the runway. However, the airplane overcorrected and crossed over the runway to the opposite side, heading toward other airport buildings. The pilot then initiated a left turn back toward the runway.
Collision
During the left turn, the airplane collided with a tree located on the north side of the departure end of the runway. At the time of impact, the airplane was in a straight and level attitude.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with either the airplane or the engine that would have precluded normal operation.