A C177's horizontal stabilizer struck trees as the pilot was approaching with a significant headwind. The aircraft's rate of descent was unexpectedly high.

Narrative

In wind of fifteen knots and gusty; I was landing northbound on the 3000 foot long; sod runway over pine trees. Due to the high headwind on landing; my glide angle was higher than usual. The stabilizer struck the top branch of a pine tree and was damaged with a one inch dent and a split of the lower aluminum skin about six inches along a rivet line. The on-site mechanic inspected the stabilator and the damage and stated that the plane was flyable. He taped up the damage and I alone flew the plane to a maintenance station nearby. The stabilator will be repaired or replaced as necessary. During my instruction and many years of flight in this aircraft and as an engineer; my issue is the following. I was never aware that landing in a headwind involves traveling in a direction that the pilot cannot see. The approach to landing appeared to be normal with plenty of clearance over the trees. As I approached the runway with full flaps; the top few inches of the pine tree that I expected to clear by a large margin; appeared close to the aircraft just over the cowling. Up elevator was applied and the stabilizer struck the tree. The stall warning did not sound. After analyzing the event; it became clear to me what happened. I would encourage flight instructors and bi-annual flight reviews to explain that headwinds can increase the angle of decent to below the pilot's view over the cowling. They should also explain how; with a strong headwind; a landing over trees into a short field can be made safely.