Accident Overview
A certificated flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were conducting landing practice on a dark, moonless night. During the approach, the airplane struck 80-foot-high trees located 2,157 feet from the approach end of the runway.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction. The Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) for the runway was inspected after the accident and was determined to have provided a clearance of 96.51 feet above the trees at the accident site.
Pilot Experience
The Airport Manager reported that the CFI had completed an instrument flight instructor check ride approximately 30 days before the accident. According to a pilot information form dated 17 months prior to the accident, the CFI had reported over 632 hours of airplane experience, including 85 hours in the make and model of the accident aircraft. The student pilot was on their first night flight.