Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted go-around.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that while he was attempting to land the airplane, it drifted left, and he decided to execute a go-around. During the go-around, the airplane struck a tree located left of the runway then impacted the ground. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the engine firewall and wings. The student pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot reported that while attempting to land the airplane, it drifted left and he decided to execute a go-around. During the go-around, the airplane struck a tree located about 178 feet left of the runway, and subsequently impacted the ground. Post accident examination revealed damage to the engine firewall and wings. The student pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.