Incident Overview
A pilot conducting a night VFR pleasure flight experienced a hard landing on Runway 3, resulting in damage to the aircraft's internal wing structure. The pilot reported that it was a dark night and elected to fly the NDA-A instrument approach procedure (IAP) to ensure terrain clearance while searching for the runway. During final approach, the pilot activated the medium-intensity runway lights (MIRL) using the traffic advisory frequency. The pilot stated that the lights appeared dim and that the landing lights did not illuminate the runway surface.
Landing Sequence
As the aircraft neared the runway, the pilot adjusted the pitch attitude to a slight nose-up and added power. Despite these adjustments, the landing was described as "sufficiently hard to damage the internal wing structure of the aircraft."
Pilot Vision Considerations
The pilot was required to wear corrective lenses for distant vision and also possessed corrective lenses for near vision. The pilot's night visual acuity was degraded by the physiological aspect of needing corrective lenses. The source notes that effects of altitude and hypoxia can impact night vision, with deterioration possible at cabin pressure altitudes as low as 5,000 feet.
The report does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, number of occupants, or any injuries. No statements regarding fatalities or injuries are included.