On August 31, 1997, at 1900 central daylight time, a Piper PA-22, N2743P, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage after it collided with trees while maneuvering near Castlewood, South Dakota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan. The pilot and two passengers reported no injuries. The local flight departed a private airstrip near Castlewood, South Dakota at 1845. According to the pilot-in-command's written statement, the purpose of the flight was to fly over one of his passenger's farm. The pilot stated that the flight was, "At a low level." The pilot reported that as the airplane was nearing the accident location something fell off the dashboard and he leaned forward and down to identify what it was. The pilot stated that, "As I leaned down, I apparently forced the yoke forward, lowering the attitude." The pilot reported that when he looked up, "it was too late, the trees were right in front of me. I gave back pressure on the elevator, but again too late and struck the trees." The pilot stated that the aircraft still was able to climb and that there were tree branches hanging on the wing. The pilot reported that he noticed that the elevator had limited deflection and decided to make a precautionary landing in a nearby field. Post accident investigation showed substantial damage to the right wing spar, elevator, and vertical stabilizer.