Incident Overview
According to a pilot report, during a cross-country flight, the pilot decided to stop at Gallup Municipal Airport (GUP) for fuel, believing the airport's lower elevation was preferable to his original planned stop. He stated a preference for performing a touch-and-go landing at unfamiliar airports before full landing.
Sequence of Events
The pilot executed a normal approach and touched down, then added full throttle for takeoff at 80 mph. He reported reaching only an altitude of approximately 35 to 40 feet. After passing the runway end, he began losing altitude. Despite leaning the engine, the descent continued.
Forced Landing and Impact
Concluding that he could not return to the runway, the pilot sought a location for a forced landing. He reported being unable to reach his intended landing spot and decided to "simply pull-up the nose and pancake in." During this maneuver, the airplane's left wing struck the ground, resulting in the separation of both wings. The engine remained attached to the fuselage by electrical and control wires.
Pilot Report and Conditions
The pilot reported no pre-impact anomalies with the flight controls or engine. A post-accident calculation indicated the density altitude at the time of the accident was approximately 10,200 feet.