Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of control during the landing flare, which resulted in an impact with trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing flare, with a left quartering crosswind, the airplane drifted to the left. He attempted to correct the drift, however, the left wing impacted trees located parallel to the runway. Subsequently, the airplane spun to the left and came to rest nosed down in the trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that he was landing on a heading of about 270° and that the wind was from 240° at about 20 MPH.