Accident Overview
The accident occurred during a night landing when the airplane, while maneuvering on final approach, collided with a tree and terrain. The airplane initially crossed over the airport at an altitude of approximately 2,800 feet mean sea level (msl) and was cleared for the visual approach to runway 20.
Flight Sequence
The pilot questioned the airport's location and requested air traffic control (ATC) provide vectors to final approach. ATC vectored the airplane to a 7-mile final approach, at which point the airplane was at an altitude of approximately 3,100 feet msl. Once the airplane turned onto final approach, the pilot reported having the airport in sight, and ATC again cleared the airplane for the visual approach.
ATC then informed the pilot he was one mile from the airport and asked if he was "gonna be able to get down from there." Radar data indicated the airplane was at approximately 1,800 feet msl (540 feet above ground level) as it approached the runway end. The pilot stated he wanted to make a circle and that he was cleared to land on runway 020. The controller clarified that the pilot was cleared to runway 20, which was a half mile in front of him. The pilot again requested to circle or extend the "downwind." The controller informed the pilot that the runway was 7,000 feet long but that he could make a 360-degree turn if needed. The pilot responded that he was going to make a left 360-degree turn.
Witnesses reported seeing the airplane over the runway prior to it entering a left descending turn and impacting the terrain. The airplane impacted a tree about 30 feet above the ground. The airplane continued to travel 594 feet along up sloping terrain before coming to rest.
Post-Accident Inspection
Post-accident inspection of the airplane and engine revealed no mechanical failure or malfunction that would have resulted in the accident.