Accident Overview
An airplane sustained substantial damage when it struck trees during a night visual approach for landing. The accident occurred approximately 1.4 miles north of runway 18 at the destination airport.
Flight Sequence
The pilot initially contacted approach control and was instructed to enter a left base for runway 18 and cleared for a VFR descent. At that time, the airplane was about 8 miles east of the airport. Flight track data showed that the airplane approached the airport from the east, flew over the approach end of runway 24, and then passed over the control tower. Subsequently, the airplane flew to the southwest, turned right, and paralleled runway 30 to the northwest.
Tower Communications
The tower controller provided the pilot with a wind check, and the pilot inquired whether the runway lights were illuminated. The pilot reported having the runway in sight, after which the tower controller re-cleared the airplane to land on runway 18.
Approach Controller Observations
The approach controller noted that the pilot eventually established on a right downwind for runway 18. The controller observed the airplane's red blinking light on a right base for runway 18 but then lost sight of the aircraft.
Accident Site and Damage
The accident site was located 1.4 miles north of runway 18. Examination of the site revealed that the tops of trees, approximately 40 to 50 feet tall and situated about 100 yards northwest of the impact area, had broken limbs where the airplane struck the trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage.
Aircraft Examination
A post-accident inspection of the airplane found no pre-impact anomalies.
Pilot Experience
A review of the pilot's flight logbook indicated that the pilot had logged 1 hour and 47 minutes of documented night flight since October 20, 1998. The most recent night flight was recorded as 47 minutes on December 8, 2003. Official sunset on the night of the accident occurred at 1856.