Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low altitude maneuver, resulting in a loss of control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was conducting a series of aerial drops for training. After the third pass, he was unable to attain a positive rate of climb. The airplane continued to descend, and the right main landing gear contacted the ground and separated. The airplane veered right and impacted a metal pipe corral fence resulting in substantial damage to the leftwing strut and firewall. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.