Incident Overview
During a night landing, a pilot mistook hangar lights for runway lights, leading to an accident in which the airplane struck trees and subsequently the ground before coming to rest inverted. The pilot reported that, in retrospect, he was on the incorrect radio frequency when he attempted to activate the pilot-controlled runway lighting.
Examination and Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and confirmed that the airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane at the time of the accident. Post-accident testing indicated that the runway lights operated normally.
Pilot Account
The pilot acknowledged the error in identifying the lights, noting that he had been on the wrong radio frequency when trying to turn on the runway lights. No further details regarding the specific frequency or other factors were provided in the report.