Incident Overview
A pilot was conducting night practice takeoffs and landings. The pilot lacked night experience and therefore had a commercial pilot serving as a safety pilot. On final approach to the runway, the pilot observed an altitude of 250 feet, airspeed of 85 knots, and flaps set to the second notch.
Sequence of Events
Realizing the aircraft's altitude was low, the pilot attempted to add power. The engine did not produce full power, which the pilot attributed to a possible magneto failure. Subsequently, the aircraft struck the ground 900 feet short of the runway and nosed over. The safety pilot reported being distracted during the turn from base to final. Upon looking out the window on final approach, he saw trees in front of the aircraft. The right wing struck the trees, and the aircraft veered to the right.
Examination
An examination of the aircraft by the FAA did not reveal any evidence of malfunction.