What happened
While entering the traffic pattern at an uncontrolled airport, the pilot observed that the runway lights were illuminated. However, during the final approach phase of flight, the runway lights extinguished. The pilot attempted to restore the lighting by clicking the microphone five times, after which the lights reappeared.
The pilot subsequently lost consciousness or memory of the event, regaining awareness only after waking up in the wreckage. The aircraft struck a tree approximately 83 feet in height, located 1,306 feet from the displaced threshold of the landing runway. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
An examination of the pilot-controlled lighting system revealed that while the lights remained illuminated longer than the required 15-minute minimum, it was possible to extinguish the lights if an attempt was made to reset the timer. This finding contradicted FAA publications, specifically the Airman Information Manual and Advisory Circular 150/5340-27A, which state that once the illumination cycle is initiated, it should not be interruptible.
Findings
The investigation noted that the pilot, in a telephone interview, acknowledged that he should have performed a go-around instead of attempting to re-illuminate the runway lights during his approach.