On September 26, 1992, a Mooney M20E (registration N1338W) operated by Paul M. Kinzelman was involved in an aviation accident near Stow, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ATTAIN PROPER RUNWAY ALIGNMENT DURING LANDING. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE DARKNESS, A LACK OF RUNWAY LIGHTING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY, AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF VISUAL QUES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot practicing night landings touched down left of the runway centerline with the landing light off, causing the airplane to veer left, hit bushes, and sustain substantial damage.
Event Description
A pilot was conducting landing practice at night to maintain currency. According to the pilot, the decision was made to land with the landing light turned off. During the landing, the airplane touched down to the left of the runway centerline. The left main landing gear departed the runway surface, causing the airplane to veer left. The left wing subsequently struck bushes, resulting in a loss of directional control. The airplane continued onto rough terrain before coming to rest.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there was a lack of runway lighting on the left side of the runway. The pilot stated that the landing light was off during the landing approach and touchdown.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the event.