Accident Overview
A 568-hour commercial pilot was returning to a private airstrip for a night landing after releasing parachute jumpers. According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the aircraft's landing light was inoperative. In an attempt to identify the unlit grass runway, the pilot flew over the area several times to try to find the airstrip.
Approach and Landing
On the third pass, the pilot believed he was over the runway and proceeded with an approach to land. During the initial landing roll, the airplane's right landing gear struck a fence, causing the aircraft to abruptly veer to the right and impact the ground.
Post-Accident Findings
There was no fire, and the pilot was able to egress the airplane unassisted. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the accident scene reported that the pilot had missed the airstrip and found the aircraft resting in a livestock field located approximately mid-field and 150 feet to the right of the airstrip centerline.