NTSB Factual Report

The 15-hour student pilot was making a low pass over a relative’s private airstrip when the accident occurred. The student stated that on the first low pass he used 15-degrees of flaps. He stated he used 30-degrees of flaps during the second low pass and the airplane “pitched” to the left when he added power to go-around. He was unable to correct the loss of directional control and the left wing contacted trees alongside the airstrip prior to the airplane impacting the ground. The closest weather reporting station located 7 miles northwest of the accident site reported the winds were from the southwest at 7 knots and the landing was being made to the south. Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes after the accident, the winds were from the west at 10 knots gusting to 14 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while maneuvering at a low altitude.