Accident Sequence
The pilot conducted a localizer approach to runway 08. The runway was 4,422 feet long and wet. The aircraft touched down beyond the halfway point. The pilot decided to abort the landing, added power, and after becoming airborne, retracted the landing gear. He asked a non-rated passenger in the right front seat to set the flaps to 20°. The pilot saw trees ahead and, despite full power, realized the aircraft would not clear them. Just before impact, he pulled back on the elevator control to reduce the severity of the collision, aiming to hit the trees tail-first rather than nose-first. After the accident, the wing flaps were found in the retracted position.
Injuries
A passenger was killed. Three other occupants were seriously injured.
Probable Cause and Factors
The probable cause is the pilot's delay in initiating the go-around and his failure to ensure the flaps were properly reset. Factors contributing to the accident include the pilot's failure to achieve the correct touchdown point, the wet runway, and the proximity of trees to the runway.