Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the initial climb following an aborted landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inaccurate fuel planning which resulted in a low fuel state and subsequent precautionary off airport landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported during a cross-country flight, he received a low fuel warning indication about 29 miles short of his destination. He decided to make a precautionary landing to a paved road but was unsuccessful due to interference with an automobile. The pilot then selected a nearby dirt road, but aborted the landing due to excessive speed. After initiating a climb, he turned to the right to avoid rising terrain however, the airplane descended during the turn and the left main landing gear struck a small hill. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported during a cross-country flight, he received a low fuel warning indication about 29 miles short of his destination. He decided to make a precautionary landing to a paved road but was unsuccessful due to interference with an automobile. The pilot then selected a nearby dirt road, but aborted the landing due to excessive speed. After initiating a climb, he turned to the right to avoid rising terrain however, the airplane descended during the turn and the left main landing gear struck a small hill. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.