Incident Overview
During an ILS approach to runway 18, the pilot exited cloud cover just above the decision height. The pilot aligned the aircraft with what he believed to be the REILs (flashing white strobe lights that mark the runway end), but these were actually the PAPI (precision approach path indicator) lights, a row of four lights on the left side of the runway. The airplane touched down on the left side, between the runway and taxiway A, approximately 2,200 feet from the threshold of the 6,299-foot runway. Upon touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed.
Lighting Systems
According to the Jackson Hole Airport Manager, both the PAPI and REIL systems for runway 18 were inspected on the morning of the accident and again the following morning. No discrepancies were observed, and the airport received no reports from pilots or airport personnel indicating that either system was inoperative.
Aftermath
The event did not result in any reported injuries or fatalities. No further details were provided regarding other damage to the aircraft, weather conditions, or involvement of air traffic control.