NTSB Factual Report

On July 7, 2013, at 1231 Pacific daylight time, a Luy Wayman Lockwood Air cam twin engine experimental amateur-built airplane, N94C, was substantially damaged when it impacted a tree during a go-around at Pine Mountain Lake Airport (E45), Groveland, California. The private pilot was seriously injured and his passenger received minor injuries. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, which had originated approximately 1 hour before the accident. A flight plan had not been filed.

The pilot reported that he had departed from Pine Mountain and flown to Columbia Airport (O22), which was about 15 nautical miles away. He practiced several touch-and-go landings and returned to Pine Mountain for more practice landings. The pilot said the wind at Pine Mountain was a direct crosswind of about 12 knots. On his second approach, shortly after touchdown, a gust of wind impacted the airplane. He said the left wing went up about 45 degrees and the airplane pivoted a bit to the right on its right main landing gear. He applied power for a go-around, and the airplane became airborne. The airplane was pushed sideways by the wind, and it struck a tree about 1,400 feet from the approach end of the runway.

The airplane's right wing separated from the fuselage and remained in the tree. The fuselage and left wing fell to the ground and came to rest inverted.

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate compensation for a crosswind and failure to maintain airplane control during a go-around.