Accident Overview
A nighttime approach to runway 03 resulted in an accident when the airplane struck a runway threshold light, veered off the left side of the runway, and collided with trees. The aircraft came to rest on the left side of the approach end of the runway, angled away on a heading of 360 degrees. Fire ensued and was extinguished after the pilot was removed.
Sequence of Events
Witnesses reported hearing an airplane engine operating at high power for approximately five seconds before the sound of impact. They proceeded to the scene and found the airplane on fire. The pilot was removed from the aircraft before the fire was extinguished. The accident occurred at night; no other time-of-day details were provided.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane struck a runway threshold light located about 25 feet left of the runway centerline. It then slid approximately 100 feet into trees, angling away from the runway. The left wing's outboard five feet was bent upward by about 20 degrees. The inboard section of the left wing came to rest on the nose of the aircraft. Ground scars corresponded to the positions of the left, right, and nose landing gears, all of which had collapsed. The propeller blades exhibited deformation, including "S" bending and leading edge gouges.
Flight Controls Examination
Flight control continuity was verified for the rudder and elevator. The aileron control cables had separated with puffed ends, and all separations occurred at locations other than the attachment points.
Pilot Condition
The pilot received head injuries and reported having no memory of the accident. No further details about injuries were provided.