Incident Overview
During a flight to his destination airport, the pilot was advised by air traffic controllers that they were not receiving his transponder signal. After landing, the pilot and three passengers took off for a night sightseeing flight. The runway lighting had transferred from continuous 'on' to pilot control prior to this departure.
Sequence of Events
Approximately 30 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft returned for landing. When the pilot attempted to turn on the runway lights by keying his radio transmitter, the aircraft's cabin lights dimmed and the runway lighting failed to illuminate. The pilot elected to land on the unlit airport.
Landing and Impact
During the ground roll after landing, the aircraft impacted one of the precision approach path indicators (PAPI) and a fence. No further details about injuries or damage were provided in the source.
Key Facts
- The pilot was informed of a transponder signal issue en route.
- The flight was a night sightseeing trip with three passengers.
- Runway lighting was on pilot control mode.
- The radio keying attempt dimmed cabin lights and failed to activate runway lights.
- The landing occurred on an unlit airport.
- The aircraft struck a PAPI and a fence during the ground roll.