What happened
The aircraft impacted the ground at a high rate of speed while maintaining a near wings-level attitude with approximately 20 degrees of nose-down pitch. Witnesses present at the scene reported that the local weather conditions were clear with good visibility, but the environment was exceptionally dark due to minimal moonlight, with only a small portion of the moon visible in the sky. The only external illumination in the immediate vicinity of the accident site came from a light source located on a nearby farm.
Findings
The investigation highlighted that the pilot had limited night flying time, which may have contributed to the inability to maintain proper spatial orientation or terrain awareness during the flight. The combination of clear but extremely dark weather conditions and the lack of ambient lighting likely played a significant role in the outcome of the event.
Safety message
Pilots operating at night should be aware that even with clear weather and good visibility, limited moonlight can create deceptive visual environments. Adequate preparation for low-light conditions is essential, especially for those with limited night flying experience.