Flight Details
According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to achieve night currency. During the approach, the pilot was conducting a global positioning system (GPS) approach and reported being aligned with the runway centerline with the approach lights visible.
Accident Sequence
At an altitude of 500 feet above ground level, the pilot extended the wing flaps to the full down position. As the airplane descended closer to the ground, the airspeed decreased rapidly and the rate of descent increased. In response, the pilot applied full power to arrest the descent. However, the airplane struck trees and the ground approximately 2,000 feet before the runway threshold. After impact, the airplane bounced twice before continuing to land on the runway.
Aftermath
During the landing rollout, the airplane veered off the left side of the runway and came to rest in a grassy area. The accident sequence resulted in substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported that there were no preexisting mechanical anomalies with the airplane.