Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that during a night flight, the ceiling was overcast at 5,000 feet above ground level, but visibility was greater than 10 statute miles. During the turn from base to final, the airplane's approach angle was high, and the pilot reported that it was "very dark." He stated that he had adjusted his approach angle, but prior to reaching the runway, the airplane's right wing collided with treetops.
Following the collision, the airplane rotated to the right. The pilot added power to align the airplane with the runway. He recalled that it was difficult to perceive the airplane's altitude above the runway because of the airplane's nose-high attitude. The airplane subsequently landed hard on the runway.
Post-Impact Events
The left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane exited the left side of the runway. The airplane continued across the grass safety area and "down off a 6-foot retaining wall." The airplane came to rest upright on the parallel taxiway.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, the lower fuselage, and the empennage.
Weather Conditions
The METAR at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was calm, and the ceiling was overcast at 4,900 feet above ground level.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.