On June 5, 1983, a Piper PA-34-200 (registration N57328) was involved in an aviation accident near Texarkana, AR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced an electrical failure shortly after takeoff, leading to a return to Texarkana. During a night landing, the pilot could not activate runway lights, and a passenger used a flashlight. The aircraft hit the ground 50-75 feet short of the runway, and the landing gear collapsed.
Incident Overview
An aircraft experienced an electrical failure shortly after takeoff. When electrical power could not be restored, the pilot elected to return to Texarkana and land using the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI). The pilot could not activate the runway lights. During the approach, a passenger held a flashlight in an attempt to see the ground on short final.
Sequence of Events
The pilot realized he needed the light on his airspeed indicator. While trying to retrieve it, the aircraft began to buffet. The pilot then lowered the aircraft's nose, and the aircraft hit the ground 50 to 75 feet short of the runway. The landing gear collapsed upon impact. Due to impact damage, the electrical system could not be checked after the accident.
Conditions
The landing occurred at night. The pilot intended to use the VASI for guidance but was unable to activate the runway lights. The passenger's flashlight was used as an aid to see the ground.