Synopsis
An airplane impacted terrain while maneuvering to land at night, coming to rest in a soybean field. The accident occurred after the pilot had resumed flying following an extended period without flight activity. The airplane struck the ground left wing low, then exploded and caught fire.
Accident Details
The airplane impacted about one-third nautical mile south of the threshold of Runway 9. It hit left wing low into a flat, cultivated soybean field. Upon impact, the airplane exploded, and a ground fire ensued. The resulting wreckage debris path extended over 160 feet. Post-accident inspection found no preexisting mechanical anomalies with the airframe, engine, or propeller that would have prevented normal operation. Airport personnel confirmed that the runway lighting systems for Runway 9/27 were operational after the accident.
Pilot Information
The pilot had recently resumed flying after a long break. In March 1990, the pilot reported a total flight time of 150 hours. By June 2005, the pilot again reported 150 hours total flight time and noted he had not flown within the previous six months. The pilot's flight logbook indicated approximately 17 hours of total night flight experience and that he had not flown at night in over 15 years.
Environmental Conditions
Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Ground visibility was 6 statute miles due to moderate haze. The accident occurred after civil twilight, with 41 percent of the moon's visible disk illuminated.
Wreckage and Investigation
The wreckage was scattered over a debris path more than 160 feet long. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical failures or preexisting conditions that would have affected the airplane's normal operation.