What happened
The pilot elected to conduct a takeoff operation during nighttime conditions at an airport that lacked functional runway lighting. He noted that the facility's operator was unavailable, leaving the airfield dark. According to accounts from the pilot and witnesses, illumination in the vicinity of the approach end of Runway 23 came from nearby sources rather than airport infrastructure.
After departing Runway 23, the aircraft climbed straight ahead to an altitude of 400 feet above ground level. The pilot then executed a right turn followed by a left turn, intending to align with and land on Runway 05. As he turned toward his expected landing zone, he began his descent.
During this phase of flight, the pilot encountered several visual challenges. His landing lights did not provide the anticipated brightness, and visibility was reduced slightly by haze. Additionally, bright lights from a nearby ballpark created glare, while other stadium lights being turned off created dark patches that contributed to disorientation. While descending toward Runway 05, the aircraft struck a tree top and came to rest in a wooded area.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making process regarding operations at an unlit airport at night. It examined the environmental conditions, including the lack of runway lights, haze, and conflicting light sources from nearby facilities. The mechanical condition of the aircraft was not cited as a factor in the accident sequence.
Findings
Contributing factors included the pilot's decision to take off without adequate runway lighting, the disorienting effect of bright stadium lights mixed with dark areas, and reduced visibility due to haze. The pilot's perception of his position relative to the runway was compromised by these visual illusions.