Casualties unknown

1992-12-04: Piper PA-28 (N4338N) — Marin Air Service — Novato, CA

Novato, CA, US

On December 4, 1992, a Piper PA-28 (registration N4338N) operated by Marin Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Novato, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND AN INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE THE INOPERATIVE RUNWAY LIGHTS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft collided with a Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) fixture during the landing roll out. The pilot reported runway lights were off but could discern the airport after a low pass. The airport manager confirmed the lights were malfunctioning.

Incident Overview

An aircraft struck a Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) fixture while rolling out after landing. The pilot stated that the runway lights were not illuminated during the approach. To assess the landing environment, the pilot conducted a low pass over the runway, after which she was able to discern the airport layout and subsequently landed.

Sequence of Events

During the landing roll, the pilot observed the VASI structure ahead and attempted to steer around it. However, the left wing of the aircraft made contact with the fixture. The airport manager later reported that the runway lights were malfunctioning at the time of the incident.

Contributing Factors

The source does not provide any analysis or causal factors beyond the stated facts: the runway lights were not operating correctly, and the pilot maneuvered to avoid the VASI but was unable to prevent the wing strike.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16178. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.