Accident Overview
The accident occurred when the pilot of an airplane struck a tree about 83 feet high, located 1,306 feet from the displaced threshold of the landing runway at an uncontrolled airport. The pilot sustained no reported injuries and was able to climb out of the wreckage after regaining consciousness.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that upon entering the traffic pattern, the runway lights were illuminated. On final approach, the lights extinguished. The pilot clicked the microphone five times, and the runway lights reappeared. He remembered nothing else until waking up in the airplane after the collision.
Runway Lighting System
A check of the pilot-controlled lighting system revealed that although the lights would stay illuminated longer than the required minimum of 15 minutes, it was possible to extinguish them if an attempt was made to reset the timer. According to FAA publications (Aeronautical Information Manual and Advisory Circular 150/5340-27A), the cycle of illumination, once initiated, should not be able to be interrupted.
Pilot's Afterthought
In a telephone interview, the pilot stated that he should have gone around rather than attempt to get the runway lights illuminated again.