Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during a night visual meteorological condition flight, while approximately 5 nautical miles from the destination airport, he could see the runway lights but not the surrounding terrain, describing the situation as a "black hole approach." As the pilot initiated a descent toward the runway, the airplane impacted terrain in a wooded area about 4 nautical miles west of the runway threshold.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that he did not observe the terrain at any time before the impact, but could clearly see the bright runway lights. He reported that the left and right wings sustained substantial damage. No mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation were reported.
Relevant Guidance
The Federal Aviation Administration Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge includes information about black-hole approaches, noting that such approaches occur when a landing is made from over water or non-lighted terrain where the runway lights are the only source of light. Without peripheral visual cues, pilots may have difficulty orienting themselves relative to the Earth, and the runway may appear out of position. The handbook advises that if an electronic glide slope or visual approach slope indicator is available, it should be used. If navigation aids are unavailable, careful attention should be given to using flight instruments to maintain orientation and a normal approach. It further recommends that if at any time the pilot is unsure of position or attitude, a go-around should be executed.