What happened
During an approach to the airport following a cross-country business flight, the pilot was performing a left downwind leg in the traffic pattern. After extending the flaps to 10 degrees, the pilot transitioned to short final and fully extended the flaps. Shortly after this configuration change, the left wing of the aircraft dropped. The pilot attempted to recover by applying right aileron and rudder, but the aircraft failed to respond to these inputs.
In an effort to recover, the pilot initiated a go-around by increasing engine power. This action caused the aircraft to pitch up and the left turn to become more acute. The pilot then reduced power, leading to a descent that resulted in the aircraft striking the ground before reaching the runway. The impact caused the left wing to separate from the fuselage. There were no reported fatalities or injuries in this specific account.
Findings
Post-accident inspections of the engine, flight controls, and airframe showed no mechanical failures that would have prevented the aircraft from operating normally. However, an examination of the trim system showed that the left rudder trim and right aileron trim were set in positions that would induce a left yaw and a right turn. A witness also observed the aircraft in a cross-controlled state during the final approach. The investigation concluded that improper trim usage likely created a cross-controlled condition, leading to a stall during the go-around maneuver.