Accident Overview
An associate of the aircraft owner and pilot reported that the pilot departed at approximately 2030 Central Standard Time to conduct night practice. The purpose of the flight was to gain proficiency before having a day VFR restriction removed from his private pilot license. The owner/pilot and a certified flight instructor (CFI) intended to fly together and practice touch-and-go landings.
Discovery and Wreckage
No known witnesses observed the accident. The aircraft was discovered about four hours after it had crashed. Examination of the crash site revealed that the aircraft struck 70-foot-tall trees near the approach end of Runway 35. The impact occurred with the aircraft in a slight right bank and a slight nose-down attitude, consistent with being on a base-to-final turn but positioned too close to the runway and too low.
Investigation Findings
Investigators found no evidence of any preimpact part failure or malfunction in the aircraft. The CFI, who was serving as a safety pilot, sustained serious injuries and had no memory of the flight.
Environmental Factors
Tall trees located near the southern portion of the runway may have obscured the runway lights when viewed from the east or southeast, potentially affecting the pilot's visual reference during the approach.