Incident Overview
An aircraft struck airport lighting during an aborted takeoff. According to the pilot, they followed the taxi line until encountering a white line, aligned the aircraft with it, and applied partial power. The pilot noticed what appeared to be a black box on the runway and subsequently heard a "WHUMP" sound without feeling any yaw or adverse effects. A buzzing noise was also heard. The pilot aborted the takeoff, taxied to the parking ramp, and discovered propeller damage.
Runway Inspection Findings
A runway inspection revealed a damaged directional sign and runway light on the northeast shoulder of runway 31C, prior to the runway's displaced threshold. The incident site was located near the foxtrot taxiway on runway 31C.
Investigation Results
Investigation determined that near the foxtrot taxiway, two taxiway centerline markings branched out from and were located north of the taxiway's lead-in line for runway 31C's centerline. These markings were situated on the approach side of the displaced threshold bar for runway 31C and crossed the solid white northeast runway side stripe. The runway shoulder at the incident site lacked shoulder markings.
Advisory Circular Reference
Advisory Circular 150/5340-1H states that runway shoulder markings are used where pilots have experienced problems identifying the runway from the shoulder, thereby creating a need to delineate the shoulder as unusable pavement.