On June 7, 1989, a Cessna 172 (registration N63535) operated by Kummer, Richard was involved in an aviation accident near Pine Bluff, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT BY CONTINUING THE APPROACH WHEN THE RUNWAY LIGHTS DID NOT ACTIVATE. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: DARK NIGHT AND SOFT TERRAIN. 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.
During a night ILS approach to Runway 17, the pilot could not activate runway lights and noted a non-operating beacon. Despite being on localizer, the aircraft landed left of the runway on soft terrain, resulting in a nose-over.
Incident Overview
During a night instrument landing system (ILS) approach to Runway 17, the pilot reported being unable to activate the runway lights by keying the radio. Additionally, the rotating beacon was not operating. The pilot stated that his instruments indicated the aircraft was on the localizer centerline, so he continued the approach.
Landing and Aftermath
The aircraft landed approximately 50 to 75 feet left of the runway on soft terrain, which caused the aircraft to nose over. The airport was in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions at the time. About one hour after the accident, the airport manager checked the radio-activated runway lights and found them to be working properly.
What happened in the 7 Jun 1989 Cessna 172 accident near Pine Bluff, AR?
During a night ILS approach to Runway 17, the pilot could not activate runway lights and noted a non-operating beacon. Despite being on localizer, the aircraft landed left of the runway on soft terrain, resulting in a nose-over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Jun 1989 involved a Cessna 172, registration N63535, operated by Kummer, Richard, at Pine Bluff, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT BY CONTINUING THE APPROACH WHEN THE RUNWAY LIGHTS DID NOT ACTIVATE. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: DARK NIGHT AND SOFT TERRAIN.
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