What happened
During a night flight instruction session focused on takeoff and landing practice, the aircraft departed from the airport but failed to clear the approach end of the runway. The pilot was conducting maneuvers intended to simulate landing approaches when the aircraft struck trees located just off the runway threshold. The impact caused the aircraft to crash into the ground, coming to rest approximately 800 feet short of the runway pavement.
The location of the accident was particularly hazardous due to recent construction activities at the airfield. The runway had been recently extended as part of an infrastructure project. However, the vegetation clearing process for this extension was not yet complete. The trees that caused the collision were scheduled to be removed prior to the final completion of the extension project. In a twist of timing, these specific trees were cleared by ground crews only one day after this accident occurred.
Findings
The investigation highlighted a critical disconnect between airfield construction schedules and aviation safety protocols. The presence of unremoved obstacles in the approach path created an immediate hazard for aircraft operating under visual flight rules at night. The proximity of the trees to the extended runway threshold meant that pilots relying on standard approach paths faced an unexpected obstacle course.
The timing of the vegetation removal underscores the importance of coordinating ground operations with flight operations. Had the trees been cleared as scheduled prior to the completion of the extension project, this collision likely would have been avoided. The accident serves as a stark reminder that airfield modifications can introduce new risks if not communicated effectively or managed with strict adherence to safety timelines.