Incident Details
According to the pilot's statement, the sequence of events began during the approach to landing. The pilot believed a quartering headwind of 6 to 8 knots was present. While over runway 14 at an approximate altitude of 10 feet above ground level, the wind shifted suddenly. The pilot described being lifted and the aircraft keeling over to the right. After leveling the wings, the pilot realized the remaining runway was insufficient.
Pilot's Account
The pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power and raising the flaps to 20 degrees. However, the aircraft lacked sufficient power or clearance to avoid trees. The pilot banked left in an attempt to avoid the trees and subsequently "dropped" the airplane in a field located between houses. The aircraft contacted the ground, then skidded to a stop after striking a tree.
Damage to the airplane was limited to the left wing and empennage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the aircraft. According to the pilot, he and the two passengers exited the airplane within 15 seconds.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the reported weather conditions at Brunswick, Maine, were visual meteorological conditions. The wind was from 340 degrees at 19 knots, gusting to 27 knots. The pilot had initially perceived a quartering headwind of 6 to 8 knots, which was inconsistent with the reported conditions.
Aftermath
Emergency responders arrived within 5 minutes, but no one was injured during the incident. The aircraft remained in the field, and no further incidents were reported.