Accident Overview
Two commercial pilots were conducting a flight with the stated purpose of identifying suitable emergency landing sites in the area. During the flight, they located a small private airport and decided to land.
Sequence of Events
The right-seat pilot took control and performed a low pass over the runway, during which piles of gravel were observed blocking half the runway width. The pilot then decided to attempt a short field landing. While maneuvering for the landing, the airplane was in a left bank turn when the wing collided with a tree. The pilot applied rudder control and considered initiating a go-around but decided against it due to trees blocking the runway. Subsequently, the pilot put the airplane into a left wing down slip, attempting to keep the airplane as level as possible. The airplane touched down on the right-side landing gear, and the right wing dug into the dirt. The airplane then came to rest inverted.
Damage and Pilot Report
During the accident sequence, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. Neither pilot submitted the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Form 6120.1.