What happened
The aircraft was on final approach to the airport when the pilot encountered significant visual impairment due to the position of the sun. The rising sun created intense glare that restricted the pilot's vision, making it difficult to identify ground-based lighting structures.
Specifically, the pilot failed to see the operating approach light system. This particular lighting array was situated within the first 2000 feet of the runway, an area that was officially closed to normal operations. Despite the visual obstruction caused by the sunlight, the pilot managed to maintain control of the aircraft throughout the incident.
The collision with the approach light system occurred during the final phase of the landing sequence. Following the impact, the pilot continued the maneuver and successfully completed a normal landing without further incident or loss of control.