Accident Details
During an instrument landing system (ILS) approach, an airplane landed 621 feet short of the runway threshold and struck portions of the approach light system. The pilot reported that the weather was instrument flight rules (IFR) with heavy rain and a visibility of 1½ statute miles.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that he had the approach light system in sight at the outer marker. He reported, "Heavy rain and struck approach lights. Landed ok (moderate chop) about 300 yards from end of runway."
Passenger Statement
A pilot-rated passenger provided a detailed account: "We broke out of clouds, but with heavy rain. I saw the lead in lights to the runway and told the pilot. Then, he said he also had it [the lead in lights], and the runway. I also saw part of the runway. It then was blurry with the rain getting worse it seemed. I asked the pilot if he still had the runway. He said he did, so we proceeded. We then struck the approach lights, or some other lights. It seemed to be choppy before the incident."
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, there was light rain from a thunderstorm located northeast of the airport. The reported visibility was 3 statute miles with mist, and the ceiling varied between 400 and 1,100 feet above ground level. Winds were from 190 degrees magnetic at 13 knots with no gusts.