Incident Details
A solo private pilot was conducting a local area personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. During the landing phase at a private airstrip, the pilot intended to land to the south. However, he inadvertently allowed the airplane to descend into an area containing trees, approximately 25 feet short of the airstrip.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the impact with the trees. Damage was noted to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Pilot Report
In a written report submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot acknowledged that the descent into the trees was inadvertent and that no mechanical issues contributed to the event.