Accident Sequence
The private pilot reported that, while on a left downwind in the airport traffic pattern after a cross-country business flight, he extended the flaps 10 degrees. On short final, he fully extended the flaps, and shortly after, the left wing dropped. The pilot attempted to correct the left wing drop by applying right aileron and rudder, but the airplane did not respond. He then chose to conduct a go-around and increased engine power. The airplane pitched up, and the left turn steepened. The pilot subsequently reduced engine power, and the airplane began to descend. The airplane struck the ground short of the runway, and the left wing separated from the fuselage.
Examination Findings
Examination of the airframe, flight controls, and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the trim system revealed that the right aileron trim and the left rudder trim were in positions that would have resulted in a right turn and a left yaw. A witness reported that the airplane appeared to be in a cross-controlled attitude while on final approach to the airport.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is the pilot's improper use of the trim, which created a cross-controlled situation and resulted in an aerodynamic stall during the attempted go-around.