What happened
During a period of night flight training, the pilot was practicing landings to runway 28. Although the sun had set, residual light remained in the western sky. The pilot completed an initial circuit at a low altitude, narrowly clearing trees and wires during the final approach. During the subsequent taxi back to the approach end of the runway, witnesses observed that the cockpit instrument lights were illuminated.
Upon departing for a second circuit, the pilot maintained a low altitude. While turning onto the final approach leg, the aircraft impacted trees. Witnesses on the ground reported varying observations regarding the engine; one resident noted hearing backfires, while others described an odd noise or suggested the engine did not sound correct. However, two airline transport pilots observing from the airport ramp did not observe any engine issues.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft following the accident revealed no anomalies regarding the engine or the airframe. Investigators also noted that the runway's precision approach path indicator (PAPI) was functioning clearly, described by an observer as "brilliant red."
Findings
Records indicate the pilot had undergone an eye examination approximately six months before the accident. On a previous questionnaire, the pilot had indicated that bright lights caused discomfort and that he experienced difficulty with night vision.