What happened
During the final approach for runway 35, the pilot activated the pilot-controlled lighting system by keying the microphone while on a one to one and one half mile base leg. During this phase of flight, the pilot noted that the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) lights were not functioning.
The pilot reported that the approach proceeded normally until the aircraft reached approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL), at which point a loss in altitude was detected. In an attempt to correct the descent, the pilot applied power; however, during this maneuver, the crew observed a treetop passing the co-pilot's window.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft determined that the right wing had collided with a tree. An FAA inspector identified the tree as being approximately 30 feet tall, situated roughly 600 feet from the approach end of the runway.