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Old 19th Dec 2017, 01:36
  #209 (permalink)  
G0ULI
 
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From the photograph, I think it is safe to say that no substantial part of the aircraft contacted the trees on either side.

There are three possible reasons;
the aircraft was at a high angle of bank as it passed between the trees
the aircraft bounced over the trees after initial impact
the aircraft somersaulted and pivoted around the trees in some way

A fourth option that should technically be considered for the sake of completeness is that the trees were not in the path of the aircraft. I think this can be safely ignored after fairly cursory examination of the evidence.

A high angle of bank would be the the simplest conclusion that fits the other observations at the scene. A turning (twisting) and bouncing somersault would also fit with the final disposition of the wreckage, especially with the nose section broken away. Certainly a combination of the two is possible, accounting for the tail ending up facing the direction of travel.

A simple wings level bounce over the trees is the least likely scenario.

A lesson learned from accident investigation, avoid hitting earth banks and trees. Neither will give an inch in a collision so if the structural damage doesn't get you, the instant deceleration forces certainly will.
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