Overview
A pilot conducting a night flight to fulfill recent flight experience requirements for carrying passengers experienced an accident after attempting a second landing. The pilot had completed one uneventful full-stop landing and re-entered the traffic pattern.
Flight Details
According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to accomplish three takeoffs and landings at night to satisfy Federal Aviation Regulations currency requirements for carrying passengers. The pilot reported that night instruction from a certified flight instructor within the past year could have prevented the accident.
Accident Sequence
The pilot turned to final approach at approximately 500 feet above ground level and an airspeed of 65–70 knots, with the runway lights in sight. Shortly thereafter, the landing light illuminated two trees. The pilot initiated a right turn, but the left wing struck one of the trees at an altitude between 20 and 30 feet above ground level. The aircraft then descended out of control to the ground approximately one-quarter mile north of the airport.
Pilot Statement
The pilot related that the flight was intended to meet currency requirements and expressed that night instruction from a certified flight instructor in the past year could have prevented the accident.