The airplane was substantially damaged at about 2010 Eastern time when it impacted a hazard beacon tower during approach. The solo private pilot was fatally injured. Night visual conditions prevailed and the airplane was operating on an IFR flight plan.
The airplane entered the traffic pattern on a right downwind leg for the runway. As the airplane turned from base to final, it struck an approximately 100-foot-tall hazard beacon tower. The airplane subsequently impacted trees and came to rest inverted against a residence. The hazard beacon tower was located about ¾ mile from the runway threshold; the top of the tower was approximately 292 feet above the airport elevation. A witness, who was walking his dog at the time, confirmed the beacon lights were operating when the airplane struck the tower.
