What happened
A pilot and passenger were conducting a cross-country flight when they encountered deteriorating weather conditions after nightfall. The crew diverted to an airport located along their route of flight.
During the final approach leg of the traffic pattern, the Cessna (type not specified in source) entered an excessive descent rate, prompting the pilot to initiate a go-around procedure. As the pilot turned the aircraft onto the downwind leg, the left wing impacted the ground. The occupants were not injured.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the configuration of the aircraft following the go-around. According to the pilot operating handbook, the landing gear and flaps should be retracted once a positive rate of climb is established. While the pilot believed that both the flaps and the landing gear had been retracted, the cockpit selectors were found in the extended position.