The pilot reported that, while landing on an unimproved airstrip, the approach was normal but after "a longer than expected float and brief touchdown", he aborted the landing and began a go-around. Once airborne, he made a shallow left turn to avoid a cliff that was off the right side of the unimproved airstrip. Subsequently, the left wing struck a tree, the airplane cartwheeled and impacted the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.