Circumstances of the Flight
Despite having flown approximately seven hours earlier in the day, the pilot decided to conduct a local sightseeing flight with two passengers. The flight departed and later returned to the vicinity of the airport after dark.
Weather Conditions
By the time the flight returned, thunderstorms were building in the area, and strong gusty winds were present. The pilot initiated an approach under these conditions.
Accident Sequence
While maneuvering from the base leg to the final approach, the pilot executed a steep descending turn. During this maneuver, the pilot allowed the aircraft's descent rate to become too great. As a result, the left wing of the aircraft impacted the terrain.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the left wing due to the impact with terrain.
Pilot Information
The pilot had been flying approximately seven hours earlier in the day, indicating potential fatigue at the time of the accident flight.