Hard Landing and Collision with Trees During Touch-and-Go Attempt

Flight History

The pilot had completed two touch-and-go landings at another airport before proceeding to Sells to perform another touch-and-go landing.

Approach and Landing

While flying over the airport to observe the runway, the pilot thought he saw a windsock at the end of the runway but later realized no windsock was present. He assumed the wind was calm and made an approach to runway 4. The aircraft was too high and fast, so the pilot executed a go-around and attempted another approach. This second approach was also slightly high and fast, but the pilot believed he could still land. The aircraft landed hard and bounced.

Collision

Deciding to perform another go-around, the pilot applied full power. The aircraft began drifting to the left, and the left wing tip struck a mesquite tree. The aircraft spun to the left, impacted more trees, and came to an abrupt stop.

Wind Conditions

The pilot did not notice any strong wind at the time but believes he may have had a slight tailwind. The observed wind at the closest observation station was variable at 4 knots.