19981231042439A

(.19)On decemer 31, 1998, at 1835 central standard time, a Cessna 177 airplane, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during final approach to the Mcgehee Catfish Restaurant Airport, Marietta, Oklahoma. The non-instrument rated private pilot, who was the owner and operator of the airplane, and three passengers received minor injuries. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan filed for the title 14 CFR part 91 personal flight. The flight originated from the bowie municipal airport, bowie, Texas, at 1800. The pilot reported that while on a VFR approach to runway 35 (turf covered), the green runway threshold lights disappeared from his view. He then noticed tree limbs close to the left side of the airplane and initiated a go-around. The left wing of the airplane contacted a tree located 30 feet prior to the approach end of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the runway and slid approximately 75 feet, coming to rest upright. An FAA inspector examined the airplane and reported that the cabin area was crushed, the engine firewall was displaced, and the wing spars were damaged. (.4) the airplane contacted tree branches while o n final approach to land at a private turf covered airport during dark night light conditions. The pilot flew over the 2,450 foot runway and verified that the runway was free of obstructions, and then committed to land. While on final appraoch he observed all of the runway lights and no obstructions. As the pilot observed the runway threshold lights 'just beginning to disappear beneath the nose of the aircraft,' he noticed tree branches 'to the front of and to the left' of the approach path, and initiated a go-around. Subsequently, the airplane's left wing contacted the tree branches, and the airplane turned to the left. The airplane impacted the ground, slid 75 feet, and came to rest upright. Remarks in the airport/facilities directory for the airport states; runway 35 trees; while landing at night, trees off both runway ends. (-23) the aircraft and occupants departed bowie, Texas, at approximately 5:30 p.m., enroute to Marietta, Oklahoma. During approach to Mcgehee Restaurant, Marietta, OK, pilot undershot runway, thereby clipping tops of trees near the south end of runway. The aircraft was then forced to the ground dest roying the aircraft on impact. The pilot stated that he applied power when he realized he was too low, but the aircraft did not respond in enough time to avoid the tree tops.