Hard Landing and Runway Excursion During Night Approach in Icing Conditions (N5119C)

Incident Overview and Weather Conditions The aircraft was on its third landing attempt after two prior go-arounds when it landed hard, causing the right main landing gear to collapse. Following the hard touchdown, the aircraft veered off the runway. The existing weather conditions at the time included a dark night, a 500-foot ceiling, visibility of 1.5 miles, and light freezing drizzle. ## Pilot Account and Contributing Factors The pilot reported that the control tower increased the runway lights to bright intensity to assist in making visual contact. According to the pilot, the bright lights caused distortion and created the illusion that the aircraft was lower than its actual altitude. The aircraft had accumulated ice on the airframe, and deicing equipment was being utilized. The pilot stated that a higher-than-normal approach speed was used due to the ice accumulation and the aircraft's weight.