Night landing short of runway after electrical failure

Casualties unknown • Texarkana, AR, US

An aircraft landed short of the runway following an in-flight electrical failure that prevented the pilot from restoring power or activating runway lights, resulting in gear collapse.

What happened

The aircraft experienced an electrical failure shortly after takeoff. The pilot was unable to restore electrical power and elected to return to Texarkana for a landing. During the approach, the pilot could not activate the runway lights. A passenger attempted to assist by holding a flashlight to help identify the ground on short final approach.

While attempting to retrieve his own airspeed indicator light, the aircraft began to buffet. The pilot lowered the nose of the aircraft and impacted the ground approximately 50 to 75 feet short of the runway threshold. The landing gear collapsed upon impact during this night landing.

The investigation

Due to the significant damage sustained from the impact, the electrical system could not be checked after the accident. No further mechanical examination of the electrical components was possible.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while attempting to retrieve an airspeed indicator light during a night landing following an in-flight electrical failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1983-06-05 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Texarkana, AR?

An aircraft landed short of the runway following an in-flight electrical failure that prevented the pilot from restoring power or activating runway lights, resulting in gear collapse.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1983-06-05 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N57328, at Texarkana, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while attempting to retrieve an airspeed indicator light during a night landing following an in-flight electrical failure.

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