The Incident
A pilot elected to take off on a dark night without runway lights. The pilot stated that the runway lights were not available because the operator was out of town. According to the pilot and other witnesses, at least part of the airport environment was illuminated by lights near the approach end of runway 23.
Flight Sequence
After taking off from runway 23, the pilot climbed straight ahead to 400 ft above ground level (AGL). At that altitude, he turned right, then back left, intending to land on runway 05. He stated that he turned to where he expected to find the runway and began his descent.
Environmental Factors
The pilot reported that the landing light was not as bright as anticipated. Visibility was restricted slightly by haze, and the bright lights of a ball park made it difficult to see. Additionally, many of the ball park lights were turned off, causing a black area that was disorienting.
Collision
While descending to runway 05, the airplane struck a treetop and came to rest in a wooded area.