Overview
A pilot whose certificate included a limitation prohibiting night flight conducted a flight at night. During the flight, the pilot diverted to Torrington Airport.
Airport and Runway
The runway at Torrington Airport is equipped with pilot-activated lighting. The terrain east of Runway 28 is significantly lower than the runway elevation.
Accident Sequence
Witnesses reported that the aircraft circled several times with its landing light on, as if preparing to land. The aircraft subsequently crashed short of Runway 28. The runway lights had not been operated at the time of the accident.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a certificate with a limitation that prohibited night flight. The flight was conducted at night in violation of that limitation. No further details about the pilot or aircraft were provided in the source.