What happened
The incident occurred during a nighttime operation when the pilot was conducting a visual approach toward a runway equipped with lighting systems. Despite the presence of ground lights, the pilot lost visual reference to the runway environment. In response to this loss of situational awareness, the pilot decided to execute a go-around maneuver.
During the initial phase of the climb-out, the pilot advanced the throttle to full power, retracted the landing gear, and configured the flaps to ten degrees. Shortly after these inputs, the aircraft collided with trees in the vicinity of the airport. The force of the impact caused the airplane to strike the ground and come to rest against a nearby fence.
The investigation
Following the accident, emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the aircraft heavily damaged. A fire broke out immediately upon impact and continued to burn, consuming the airframe. Investigators examined the wreckage to determine the sequence of events leading to the collision with the trees during the go-around.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this accident was the loss of visual contact with the runway during a critical phase of flight in dark conditions. The pilot's inability to maintain visual reference led to the decision to climb away, but the aircraft failed to clear the terrain obstacles. The subsequent impact with trees and the ground resulted in substantial damage to the airplane, which was ultimately destroyed by fire.
Safety message
Pilots conducting visual approaches at night must be vigilant regarding spatial disorientation and the potential for loss of visual reference. It is critical to maintain positive control of the aircraft and ensure adequate terrain clearance during go-around procedures, especially when environmental conditions reduce visibility.