Flight History
The accident occurred at an airport situated in a valley between two rows of mountains on the New York/Pennsylvania border. The pilot had completed two takeoffs and landings to a full stop at night to satisfy night currency requirements. After the third takeoff, the pilot leveled off at 2,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) and entered the downwind leg for a left base to runway 33. While abeam the approach end of runway 33, the landing check had not yet been completed, and a 500 feet per minute rate of descent was established.
Collision Sequence
The pilot turned left onto the base leg and subsequently turned on the landing light. Upon illumination, the pilot observed trees immediately in front of the aircraft. According to the report, the pilot had no time to react, and the aircraft experienced an in-flight collision with trees.