Accident Details
During a visual circuit for runway 26 at an altitude of 600 feet, the aircraft was on final approach with flaps extended two notches. The right side of the airframe and the wing root struck the top of a tree located approximately 80 meters from the runway threshold and 30 meters to the right of its extended centerline. Following the collision, the aircraft struck the ground hard, went out of control, and came to rest in a grassy area parallel to the runway. The aircraft was destroyed. All five occupants evacuated safely.
Pilot Account
The pilot, who also owned the aerodrome, stated that he had made the final approach at a heading of 245° to 250°, offset to the right of the approach path, in order to avoid flying over a grove to the left and upstream of the threshold. At the time of the collision, the pilot had lost visual contact with the runway while the aircraft's speed was low and pitch attitude was high. He reported that his reaction was somewhat late, possibly due to weekend fatigue.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is based on the pilot's report: he lost visual contact with the runway due to low speed and high pitch attitude while flying an offset approach path to avoid a grove, and his delayed reaction may have been influenced by fatigue.