On August 17, 1983, a Cessna 172 (registration N3926F) was involved in an aviation accident near Herndon, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain runway centerline due to a failed landing light during rollout, compounded by the absence of illuminated runway lights. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported normal approach and landing, but a failed landing light during rollout prevented him from maintaining runway centerline, causing the aircraft to veer off onto soft terrain.
What happened
The pilot reported that the approach and landing were normal. During rollout, the acft's landing light failed and the pilot was unable to see well enough to maintain his course on the rwy. The acft veered off the left side onto soft terrain and the nose gear collapsed. There are no illuminated rwy lights.
The investigation
The investigation found that the acft's landing light failed during rollout. The pilot was unable to see well enough to maintain his course on the rwy. The acft veered off the left side onto soft terrain and the nose gear collapsed. There are no illuminated rwy lights.
Findings
Contributing factors included the failure of the acft's landing light during rollout. The pilot was unable to see well enough to maintain his course on the rwy. The acft veered off the left side onto soft terrain and the nose gear collapsed. There are no illuminated rwy lights.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain runway centerline due to a failed landing light during rollout, compounded by the absence of illuminated runway lights.
What happened in the 17 Aug 1983 Cessna 172 accident near Herndon, CA?
A pilot reported normal approach and landing, but a failed landing light during rollout prevented him from maintaining runway centerline, causing the aircraft to veer off onto soft terrain.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Aug 1983 involved a Cessna 172, registration N3926F, at Herndon, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain runway centerline due to a failed landing light during rollout, compounded by the absence of illuminated runway lights.
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