Synopsis
A student pilot on their first night flight, accompanied by a certified flight instructor (CFI), was landing when the aircraft impacted approach lighting stanchions located at the approach end of the runway. The aircraft came to rest in a grass area adjacent to the runway.
Narrative
During the landing approach, the CFI observed that the visual approach slope indicator (VASI) displayed a 'red over red' indication, signaling that the aircraft was below the glide path. The CFI then heard the engine power increasing and assumed the student was applying power to correct back to the proper glide slope. However, realizing the student was not adding sufficient power, the CFI reached for the throttle. Immediately thereafter, the airplane struck approach lighting stanchions at the approach end of the runway and came to rest in a grass area.
Pilot Statements
The CFI stated that he was unfamiliar with the presence of approach lighting stanchions at that runway end and noted that the stanchions were not illuminated at the time of the accident.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage from the collision with the stanchions and the subsequent ground impact.