Incident Overview
A private pilot was completing a personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred during a landing at a remote airstrip surrounded by trees. The pilot reported that during the approach, just before touchdown, he allowed the airplane to drift left of the intended approach path. As a result, the left main landing gear wheel struck a tree, which yawed the airplane to the left.
Sequence of Events
After the tree strike, the airplane touched down. During touchdown, the right main landing gear collapsed, followed by the collapse of the left main landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.
Pilot's Statement
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.