FTW95LA204

During a day VFR approach the pilot noted that the aircraft was 'losing altitude and approaching a grove of trees.' He reported that he applied full power and pulled the nose up in an effort to avoid the trees. The aircraft collided with the trees, rotated counter cloackwise, and collided with the ground short of the runway.

On May 16, 1995, at 1630 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28- 181, N75256, was substantially damaged during an approach to landing near Baytown, Texas. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries. No flight plan was filed for the CFR 14 Part 91 flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local, personal flight. The aircraft was owned and operated by Raceco Incorporated of Baytown, Texas.

During an interview conducted by a Federal aviation Administration (FAA) inspector and in his written report the pilot stated that while on final approach to runway 14 at Baytown Airport, he "noticed the aircraft losing altitude and a grove of trees rising." He then applied full power and "pulled the nose up to climb over the trees." He further stated that the airplane "impacted the trees before he could clear them." After impact, the airplane rotated through the trees to the left and came to rest pointed away from the runway. The wings and fuselage were structurally damaged.