NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that the approach appeared normal, but during the landing on the 1,500 ft gravel strip, the airplane firmly struck the runway and bounced. He added that the bounce was high, and the remaining runway was too short to correct the landing with power. The pilot elected to go-around, applying full power and 20° of flaps for the balked landing procedure. During the climb, the airplane drifted to the left towards the 50 ft trees about 150 ft from the departure end of runway 24. Unable to climb over the trees, the airplane struck the tree canopy; the nose dropped and the pilot instinctively reduced power as the airplane descended through the trees and impacted terrain. The wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain a stabilized approach, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent go-around with insufficient distance to clear trees during the climb.