NTSB Factual Report

On March 26, 2016, about 1500 central daylight time, an amateur-built Jodel F11-A airplane, N3068M, sustained substantial damage when it struck trees, wires, and terrain, during a go-around from runway 35 at the Los Muertos Airport, Marathon, Texas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, received serious injuries. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not on a flight plan. The flight originated from the Fort Stockton-Pecos County Airport, Fort Stockton, Texas about 1430.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane and that the airplane hit trees and a power line during the attempted go-around. He reported to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector that he initiated the go-around late and that the airplane had insufficient climb performance to clear the trees and power line at the departure end of the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to conduct a go-around in a timely manner, which resulted in impact with trees and a powerline.