Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to ascertain a proper touchdown point and late decision to initiate a go-around, which resulted in a subsequent collision with vegetation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he landed long on a dirt runway and realized he was running out of runway. He decided to abort the landing and applied full power as it was too late to stop the airplane. It did not accelerate as he expected due to the soft dirt. The pilot added that the airplane did not have enough airspeed to fly and while in ground effect, it struck a tree limb and cartwheeled. A post-impact fire ensued and the airplane was destroyed. The pilot stated that there were no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.