Night VFR Approach Ends in Terrain Impact Due to Pilot Disorientation (N47671)

Accident Overview and Pilot Statement During a visual flight rules (VFR) night approach, the pilot reported becoming disoriented while turning from the base leg to final. Believing the aircraft was too high, the pilot increased the rate of descent. The pilot subsequently realized the aircraft was too low, but the airplane impacted terrain approximately one-quarter mile short of the runway. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, or location. ## Contributing Factors The pilot stated that he had been on duty for 16 hours on the day of the accident, during which he completed four flights totaling about 6.5 hours. A passenger reported that the pilot appeared tired. The pilot did not meet the night currency requirements, and the operator was unaware of this lack of currency. ## Injuries and Baggage Securing The baggage was not adequately secured by the pilot. During the accident, a bag struck a passenger on the back of the head.