Night Landing Incident Involving Runway Light Failure and VASI Strike (N736RZ)

What happened

The incident occurred during a nighttime approach and landing operation. The pilot was unable to activate the runway lighting system, which necessitated alternative procedures to ensure the safety of the approach. To verify that the runway surface was clear of obstacles or other aircraft, the pilot executed two separate passes over the runway threshold.

After confirming the runway appeared clear during these visual inspections, the pilot elected to proceed with the landing despite the absence of active runway lights. The aircraft touched down and began its rollout phase on the darkened strip. During this ground roll, the left horizontal stabilizer made contact with a Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) light fixture located near the runway edge.

The investigation

Examination of the aircraft revealed damage to the left horizontal stabilizer resulting from the impact with the VASI light. The inability to activate the runway lights was a primary factor in the sequence of events leading to the contact.

Findings

• The pilot could not activate the runway lights during the night landing.
• The pilot made two passes over the runway to verify it was clear.
• The pilot elected to land without available runway lights.
• During rollout, the left horizontal stabilizer struck the VASI light.