Accident Summary
The pilot reported that while approaching an airport from the south, automated weather broadcasts indicated variable wind directions, shifting from light westerly to northerly to southerly. The pilot canceled the instrument clearance and entered a left downwind for runway 18.
Approach and Landing Attempt
On final approach, the pilot applied full landing flaps and deployed speed brakes to reduce excessive airspeed. Crossing the 1,000-foot runway distance marker, he recognized that the airplane was landing downwind. The airplane touched down after midfield, and the pilot briefly applied brake pressure before deciding to abort the landing.
Go-Around and Subsequent Impact
The pilot kept the airplane on the runway as it accelerated, rotating and achieving liftoff toward the departure end. The airplane then impacted an 18-inch-high runway end identifier light at the departure threshold. After liftoff, the engine did not appear to produce maximum power, and airspeed continually dropped. The pilot was unable to establish an adequate climb, so he made a left turn to avoid trees and an elevated roadway. The airplane continued to lose airspeed and descended into a tree line about 1,000 feet off the end of the runway.
Pilot's Observations
The pilot noted that the lack of engine power was likely due to improper propeller or mixture control settings during the aborted landing. He also stated that he did not retract the wing flaps or landing gear during the go-around, and that his delayed decision to abort the landing contributed to the accident.
Postaccident Inspection
A postaccident inspection revealed no anomalies that would have prevented normal operation of the airplane or its engine. Local weather stations reported a prevailing onshore breeze from the north between 2 and 7 knots.