Accident Narrative
The flight, conducted under instrument flight rules, approached the destination airport. The intended runway was 2,500 ft long and 50 ft wide. After initiating the landing flare, the pilot lost recall of subsequent events. According to the front seat passenger, the airplane’s nose pitched up as the airplane descended below the tops of the trees surrounding the airport.
Go-Around and Impact
The pilot then executed a go-around. The airplane did not climb as expected and drifted left towards the trees. Subsequently, the left wing dropped, and the airplane struck the ground. The impact resulted in a postimpact fire.
Postaccident Findings
Substantial damage was noted to the fuselage and left wing. The pilot reported, and a postaccident examination of the wreckage confirmed, that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around.