Incident Overview
During a dark night flight, a twin-engine airplane was approaching an airport from the south when the noncertificated pilot canceled the instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan approximately 7 miles from the airport. A police officer on patrol in the area observed the airplane descend from clouds at about 500 feet above ground level, bank left over a town north of the airport, turn left again, and re-enter the clouds. The officer proceeded to the airport but did not see the airplane. He reported that it was dark but clear at the airport, with stars visible and snow on the ground. The airport's rotating beacon was illuminated, but the pilot-controlled runway lighting was not.
Wreckage Location and Condition
The Federal Aviation Administration issued an alert notice, and the wreckage was located about 7 hours later 2 miles north of the airport. The airplane had collided with several trees on downsloping terrain, resulting in a debris path approximately 290 feet long. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engines revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Environmental and Pilot Factors
The town and airport were in a sparsely populated area with limited lighting. Dark night conditions, clouds, and a 35 percent moon illumination would have restricted the pilot's visual references. These conditions likely led to his geographic disorientation (being lost) and subsequent failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear terrain. Although the pilot did not possess a valid pilot's certificate, a review of his logbooks indicated he had considerable experience flying the airplane, usually while accompanied by another pilot, and had flown in both visual and instrument conditions. A previous student pilot medical certificate indicated the pilot was color blind and listed limitations for flying at night and using color signals. The pilot had applied for another student pilot certificate 2 months before the accident, but this certificate was deferred pending a medical review.