Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the trees during a go-around.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the final approach the pilot thought that he was too high to land safely, so he executed a go-around. During the climb out, the pilot felt a thump and the airplane turned about 90° and “mushed into the tree tops.” The airplane subsequently nosed into the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.