Incident Overview
The pilot of an airplane cancelled an instrument flight rules flight plan and was continuing with a night visual approach for landing. A pilot-rated passenger in the right front seat told the pilot, "I like to fly my approach high." The pilot replied that he either had the approach lights or was on the VASI. Shortly after, the passenger asked, "Why are we off to the left of the runway?" The pilot responded, "Because we are going to crash."
Witness Account
A witness living south of the airport reported stepping outside to smoke a cigarette. He observed an airplane descending toward the airport, approximately 100 feet west of his home. The airplane was in a descent and then initiated a right turn toward the runway. The landing light, navigation lights, and strobe lights were illuminated. The witness heard a decrease in engine power followed by an increase in engine power. The airplane appeared to overshoot the runway and collided with power lines to the left of the runway. An electrical flash was observed, followed by a fire after the airplane struck the ground.
Examination of Runway and Systems
Examination of the runway revealed no physical evidence indicating that the accident airplane touched down before the runway overrun, on the overrun, on the runway, or in the grass to the left of Runway 08. The Airport Manager for Andrews Murphy Airport reported no deficiencies with the airport lighting system on the days prior to the accident.
Mechanical Inspection
Inspection of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly, and accessories found no evidence of a pre-crash mechanical failure or malfunction.