Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing which resulted in inflight collission with trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during landing at a private grass strip, the airplane veered to the left. He stated that he added power to go-around, but the left wing struck some branches and spun the aircraft around. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 27, 1994, at 1715 eastern daylight time, N8541Y, a Piper PA-30, owned and operated by David Smallidge of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, collided with trees during landing at a private grass strip in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. The certificated commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured while the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was operated under 14 CFR 91 and originated in Sanford, Maine. The pilot reported that during landing at the airstrip, the airplane veered to the left. He stated that he added power to go-around, but the left wing struck some branches and spun the airplane around. The pilot stated that there was no mechanical malfunction. -