On June 6, 1997, at 1500 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181, N38758, was destroyed during a collision with terrain and post crash fire near Walton, New York. The certificated commercial pilot and two passengers were seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at Caldwell, New Jersey, about 1400. No flight plan had been filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that the 1 hour flight to Walton was uneventful. The pilot established a final approach to runway 26, decided that he was too high to land, and performed a go-around. He established a right turn to depart the area, and further stated: "...thought I saw airport. Started second approach and realized this was not airport. Started to climb out straight ahead. Had no turning room left or right, and rising terrain was beyond climb capability of aircraft. Retracted flaps gradually during climb and began to sink...I could not out climb the hill, airspeed was 60 kts IAS, stall warning was activated. I chose a tall pine tree to soften the controlled impact. Descended through trees and came to sudden stop on ground..." The pilot indicated in the NTSB Form 6120.1/2 , there was no mechanical problem with the airplane.