The pilot reported that while conducting the RNAV GPS RNY 08 instrument approach, at night in instrument meteorological conditions, about 50 feet above the decision altitude of 921 feet, he mistook building lights for runway lights. He inadvertently touched down in a soybean field, about ¾ mile short of the runway. He then increased engine power to full, climbed "a couple hundred feet", established visual contact with the runway lights, and landed without further incident.

The pilot added that the lateral guidance from the localizer was "dead center" but he could not recall the position of the vertical guidance needle.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 030° at 3 knots, visibility at 1/2 statute miles with mist, overcast at 200 ft above ground level (AGL), temperature 57°F, dew point 57°F. The pilot reported that the airport ceiling was overcast at 300 ft AGL, with fog and rain, and visibility was one mile.