Accident Overview
On a dark night, an airplane was conducting a straight-in approach to a runway without a visual approach slope indicator. The airplane collided with trees approximately 2,378 feet short of the runway, then descended and impacted the ground, coming to rest upright.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the flight controls and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. However, inspection of the engine assembly found that the alternator was physically installed but its electrical connections were not secured. The pilot had departed on the return flight without the alternator being properly installed.
Further examination of the landing light bulb showed that the filament was not stretched but broken. The landing light switch was in the 'ON' position. According to fire and rescue personnel, the battery, alternator, fuel pump, and anticollision switches were in the 'ON' position in the cockpit before being turned 'OFF.'