Incident Overview
The pilot conducted two simplified directional facility (SDF) approaches. On the first approach, the pilot experienced difficulty seeing the runway lights. The aircraft was aligned left of the runway, and a missed approach was executed.
On the second approach, the pilot reported difficulty discerning any runway lights. During the landing, the nose landing gear and left main landing gear were off the left side of the runway. The aircraft touched down when the pilot believed he was still 15 feet above the runway surface.
Contributing Conditions
Rain obscured the windshield. No approach lights were installed at the airport. The runway lights would trip the circuit breaker if set above 10% illumination; the pilot was aware of this limitation.
Additional Information
The airport was the pilot's home base. The nearest alternative airport was 30 nautical miles southwest.