Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's poorly planned approach; his failure to attain the proper touch down point; and, delay in executing a go-around. Contributing to this accident was the partial loss of power for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
A PIPER pa-22-20 collided with trees after a reported partial loss of engine power. The pilot reported the airplane lost engine power while cruising about 1,000 feet above ground level. The pilot selected a long flat field as an emergency landing area. The pilot stated that he landed beyond his desired touchdown point and elected to go-around. The airplane lifted off, but struck some trees at the end of the field when it did not attain sufficient altitude to clear them. The airplane's engine was examined by an airframe and powerplant mechanic (a&p). The a&p did not find any evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction that would have contributed to the loss of power as described by the pilot.
Source record
Factual narrative
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