NTSB

The pilot’s improper preflight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a total loss of engine power, and impact with a tree during an off-airport landing.

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and postaccident fire. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction during short final.

The pilot’s improper pitch trim setting during takeoff in a left quartering tailwind, which resulted in the airplane abruptly pitching up and subsequently experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow a preflight checklist and verify that the elevator trim tab was in the takeoff position.

A loss of airplane control while maneuvering due to spatial disorientation after inadvertently entering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inexperience in IMC conditions.

The pilot’s failure to install the engine oil filler cap before the first flight of the day; his subsequent failure to conduct a preflight check before the accident flight, which resulted in his failure to note that the cap was not installed; and his improper landing flare during a precautionary landing, which resulted in a bounced landing and ground loop.

The pilot’s decision to abort a go-around with insufficient runway remaining to safely stop the airplane, which resulted in a loss of control, runway excursion and impact with a concrete barrier.

The passenger’s inadvertent retraction of the landing gear during the landing roll without being instructed to do so by the pilot.

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a low pass, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

The total loss of right engine power due to fuel starvation and the pilot’s improper fuel management.