Incident Overview
On a bright night, a pilot attempted to land on runway 07 at an airport where the runway lights were not operating. During the final approach, the pilot failed to achieve proper alignment with the intended runway and instead lined up with a parallel taxiway. Approximately 20 feet above the ground, the pilot increased engine power in an effort to correct the misalignment. However, the airplane subsequently touched down in rough terrain adjacent to the runway. After touchdown, the airplane veered into a ditch and came to rest against a berm.
Pilot Background
The pilot indicated familiarity with the airport, having been based there for the previous 10 years. The pilot also reported a lack of awareness that a NOTAM had recently been issued, indicating the airport was closed for night operations.
Fuel Status
The pilot's airplane contained adequate fuel to proceed to nearby alternate airports, suggesting that diversion was a viable option.
Sequence of Events
- The pilot attempted a landing on runway 07 with non-operating runway lights.
- The approach path aligned with a parallel taxiway instead of the runway.
- At about 20 feet above ground, engine power was increased in an attempt to correct the alignment.
- The airplane touched down in rough terrain, then veered into a ditch and stopped against a berm.