Background
During a night approach to land, the pilot had canceled his Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) clearance. The aircraft was on final approach when the pilot had the runway in sight. He contacted Memphis Center to inquire about his distance from the airport and was informed he was 3 miles south.
Approach and Maneuver
Upon learning his position, the pilot decided to execute a descending 360-degree turn to lose altitude. After completing the turn and straightening the aircraft, the pilot looked inside the cockpit. When he redirected his attention outside, he saw trees illuminated by the aircraft's landing lights.
Collision
The pilot attempted to climb but could not arrest the descent. He then minimized the aircraft's speed to reduce the impact force as the aircraft struck the trees.
Pilot Statements
The pilot stated that he was fatigued and acknowledged that he should not have canceled his IFR clearance and should not have performed the vertigo-inducing turn.