What happened
A pilot was conducting a night visual approach for landing after canceling an instrument flight rules flight plan. During the descent, a passenger in the right front seat noted that the aircraft was positioned to the left of the runway.
A witness residing south of the airport observed an aircraft descending and initiating a right turn toward the runway. The observer noted that the airplane's landing, navigation, and strobe lights were illuminated. During the descent, a change in engine power was heard. The witness reported that the aircraft appeared to overshoot the runway and struck power lines located to the left of the runway, which resulted in an electrical flash and a subsequent fire after the aircraft impacted the ground.
Examination of the runway area showed no physical evidence indicating that the Cessna (type not specified) had touched down on the runway, the overrun, or the grass to the left of Runway 08 prior to the collision. There were no fatalities reported in this incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly, and accessories. The inspection revealed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction occurring before the crash. Additionally, the Airport Manager for Andrews Murphy Airport reported that there were no deficiencies with the airport lighting system during the period immediately preceding the accident.
Findings
- The aircraft struck power lines located to the left of the runway.
- No pre-crash mechanical failures were identified.