Accident Details
On July 7, 2013, at 1231 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built twin-engine airplane, registration N94C, was substantially damaged when it struck a tree during a go-around at Pine Mountain Lake Airport (E45) in Groveland, California. The private pilot, who also owned the aircraft, was seriously injured; his passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 in visual meteorological conditions. The local flight had originated about one hour earlier, and no flight plan was filed.
Flight History
The pilot reported that he had departed from Pine Mountain and flown to Columbia Airport (O22), approximately 15 nautical miles away, where he practiced several touch-and-go landings. He then returned to Pine Mountain for additional practice landings. The wind at Pine Mountain was described as a direct crosswind of about 12 knots.
Go-Around and Impact
On his second approach, shortly after touchdown, a gust of wind affected the airplane. The pilot stated that the left wing lifted about 45 degrees, causing the airplane to pivot to the right on its right main landing gear. He applied power for a go-around, and the airplane became airborne. The airplane was then pushed sideways by the wind and struck a tree approximately 1,400 feet from the approach end of the runway.
Damage and Post-Impact Condition
The impact resulted in the separation of the right wing from the fuselage; it remained lodged in the tree. The fuselage and left wing fell to the ground and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.