Pilot (Made) Radio Transmissions For The Downwind, Base, And Final Approach Legs Of The Traffic Pattern Before The Airplane Impacted Trees

Location: Canton, Texas Accident Number: CEN24FA073
Date & Time: December 26, 2023, 18:13 Local Registration: N858RC
Aircraft: Cirrus Design Corp SR22 Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot was attempting a night visual approach to a private airport that had solar deck lights as runway lights. A witness heard the pilot make radio transmissions for the downwind, base, and final approach legs of the traffic pattern before the airplane impacted trees and terrain east of the runway. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces.

Non-volatile data from the airplane showed the approach was approximately parallel to and about 340 ft east of the runway before the tree line, which the airplane struck. The data showed the airplane had minimal altimetry error. The data also showed that the engine operated with no anomalies throughout the approach and impact with terrain.

Postaccident examination of the airplane confirmed flight control continuity, as well as rotational and torsional features on the propeller blades and spinner consistent with engine operation. An autopsy was not performed on the pilot, so an incapacitating medical event could not be
ruled out. It is likely that pilot performed an inadequate visual approach at night that resulted in a collision with terrain. Based on the available evidence, it was undetermined why the pilot performed an inadequate visual approach.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to attain the runway while landing at night, which resulted in an impact with trees. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov