On November 8, 2002, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N8389Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Fayette, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's poor inflight decision to land on a non illuminated runway, and the pilot's failure to maintain clearance during an attempted night landing that resulted in an on ground collision with a parked car. A factor was the light condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot attempting a night landing at an airport with inoperative runway lights struck a vehicle parked alongside the runway during the third approach, causing the airplane to roll over and come to rest inverted.
Incident Overview
A pilot encountered difficulties during a night landing at a destination airport after being unable to activate the runway lights. Witnesses reported that the runway lights were inoperative at the time. In response, the pilot requested assistance from the local sheriff's department. The sheriff's department then asked friends and employees of the airport to align their vehicles along the side of the runway and turn on their headlights to illuminate the runway for the landing.
Sequence of Events
The pilot conducted two unsuccessful landing attempts. On the third attempt, the airplane touched down and struck one of the vehicles parked along the runway. The collision caused the airplane to roll over and slide down the runway before coming to rest inverted. There is no record that the pilot obtained a notice to airmen (NOTAM) regarding the inoperative runway lights prior to the flight.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed that the left wing had separated from the airframe. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane before the accident.
What happened in the 8 Nov 2002 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Fayette, AL?
A pilot attempting a night landing at an airport with inoperative runway lights struck a vehicle parked alongside the runway during the third approach, causing the airplane to roll over and come to rest inverted.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Nov 2002 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N8389Y, at Fayette, AL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's poor inflight decision to land on a non illuminated runway, and the pilot's failure to maintain clearance during an attempted night landing that resulted in an on ground collision with a parked car. A factor was the light condition.
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