N8511T

On October 10, 2003, about 1945 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182C, N8511T, was substantially damaged during a go-around at the Potoczak Airport, Clarence Center, New York. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot stated he entered the traffic pattern to land on runway 18, a 2,230-foot-long, 55-foot-wide, lighted grass runway. On final approach, he added full flaps when he thought he had the runway "made;" however, it became apparent that the airplane was "high and long." The pilot initiated a go-around, added power and raised the flaps to "two notches;" however, the airplane settled into the trees located at the end of the runway. The pilot further said that he was not certain how high the airplane was above the trees when he initiated the go-around because it was dark.

The pilot stated he did not experience any mechanical problems with the airplane.

The pilot reported 1,546 hours of total flight experience, which included 970 hours in make and model, and 11 hours in "night" conditions.