Accident Description
A pilot reported that while flying a base leg of the traffic pattern in night visual conditions, the runway lights were set to high intensity, which made the threshold lights appear diluted. Additionally, red hazard lights from a localizer antenna were distracting. The pilot stated that he was too low and struck trees during the final approach, though the airplane subsequently landed on the runway without further incident. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector determined that the airplane impacted trees with both wings approximately 2,400 feet before the runway threshold. The impact caused damage to the left wing spar, the lower fuselage, and the stabilator.
Airport Information
The runway involved was 6,021 feet long. It was equipped with a localizer approach but not an instrument landing system (ILS) approach. The runway also lacked a visual approach slope indicator (VASI). The red localizer antenna hazard lights were situated about 750 feet before the runway threshold.
Following the accident, the airport manager inspected all runway lighting and confirmed that it was operational.