Accident Sequence
A 7,660-hour airline transport-rated pilot lost control of a twin-engine airplane while attempting to abort the landing. The accident occurred during a night landing attempt on runway 18, which was reported to be 5,280 feet long by 50 feet wide, dry, and in good condition. Dark night conditions prevailed.
According to the pilot's statement in the NTSB accident report, he saw one row of lights on short final and thought his mind played a trick on him, believing he was off-course and that the lights were houses. The pilot delayed the decision to execute a go-around; by the time he added power, the airplane had touched down in the "turnaround" area to the right of the approach end of runway 18.
During the inadvertent touchdown, the airplane rolled to the left, and the left propeller struck the ground, resulting in damage to the left engine. The pilot then elected to retard the right engine to avoid losing control, and the airplane impacted the ground to the left of the runway. The airplane came to rest in an area of small bushes and mesquite trees.
Post-Accident Events
A post-impact fire developed and consumed the airplane. The pilot was able to egress unassisted through the main cabin door and was not injured. He reported being familiar with the airport and having operated several airplanes in and out of that location.
Weather and Runway Information
Weather reported at Del Rio International Airport, located approximately 11 miles north of the accident site, was clear skies, 3 miles visibility, with winds from 150 degrees at 5 knots, temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 29.95 inches of Mercury. The pilot added that he was not aware that the first 5 or 6 runway lights on the left side of the approach end of runway 18 were out of service when he initiated the night landing approach.