Narrative
The owner-pilot departed his home airport for a personal flight to another airstrip where he had previously operated many times. The turf runway had a significant slope and was bordered by trees on three sides. Landings were conducted in the uphill direction, which was to the southeast. Because the runway was narrow and trees were close to its edges, pilots were required to taxi uphill to the southeast end, turn around, and then exit the runway at the northwest end.
Before landing, the pilot overflew the runway to check for deer and other obstacles. He then made a left-hand circling approach for the landing to the southeast. There was a slight left crosswind during the approach, but no wind was present on the runway itself because of the tall trees. Touchdown at the intended landing point, about 150 feet beyond the approach end, was normal.
After landing, the pilot added power to taxi uphill to turn around. Approximately 400 feet beyond the touchdown point, the airplane began to drift to the right. The pilot was unable to correct this drift before the right wingtip struck a small tree. The impact resulted in a sharp right turn, and the airplane veered off the right side of the runway into a downsloped, wooded area. The airplane was stopped by a large tree and came to rest approximately perpendicular to the runway, with the tail near the runway edge.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to its wings.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.