Accident Details
A Piper PA-28-161, operated by a recently certificated private pilot, was returning to the airport after a local flight. The flight was conducted under dark night visual meteorological conditions. The pilot reported a total flight experience of 83.6 hours, including 15.1 hours in the same make and model and 4.4 hours at night.
Approach and Landing
To avoid trees, the pilot flew a higher-than-normal final approach to runway 34. Runway 34 was 3,200 feet long, 100 feet wide, had a turf surface, and was equipped with lighting. The pilot landed beyond the normal touchdown zone and then firmly applied the brakes. The left tire locked up, causing the airplane to depart the left side of the runway.
Impact and Damage
The airplane subsequently impacted a tree-lined ditch. Both wings and the fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Mechanical Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions, and the pilot reported none.
Weather and Wind
The reported wind at a nearby airport around the time of the accident was 250 degrees at 5 knots.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had 83.6 total flight hours, with 15.1 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane and 4.4 hours at night.