ERA12CA010

The pilot's failure to maintain the proper approach path, which resulted in a runway undershoot and collision with terrain prior to the runway.

The pilot stated that he was practicing touch-and-go landings, and, as the airplane turned onto final approach, the wind caused the wings to rock. The airplane became too low on the approach, and the pilot added full power; however, the airplane impacted trees just prior to the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

The pilot of the amateur-built experimental airplane reported that he had accumulated a total flight experience of 95 hours; of which, 5 hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane. The pilot further stated that he was practicing touch-and-go landings to runway 4, a 4,024-foot-long asphalt runway. As the airplane turned onto final approach, the 15 to 22 mph wind caused the wings to rock. The pilot focused on regaining roll control instead of increasing engine power. The airplane subsequently became too low on the approach and the pilot added full power; however, the airplane impacted trees just prior to the runway. The impact resulted in structural damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The recorded wind at an airport located about 10 miles south of the accident site, about the time of the accident, was from 060 degrees at 9 knots.