What happened
During a VFR night approach, the pilot experienced spatial disorientation while turning from the base leg to the final approach. Believing the aircraft was too high, the pilot increased the rate of descent, only to subsequently realize the aircraft was too low. The aircraft impacted the terrain approximately 1/4 mile short of the runway.
On the day of the accident, the pilot had been on duty for 16 hours, completing four flights totaling approximately 6-1/2 hours of flight time. A passenger noted that the pilot appeared tired. During the impact, unsecured baggage shifted, and a bag struck a passenger on the back of the head.
Findings
Investigation into the pilot's qualifications revealed that the pilot did not meet night currency requirements. The aircraft operator was unaware that the pilot lacked this necessary currency. Additionally, the pilot failed to adequately secure the baggage within the aircraft.