On December 21, 2007, a Cessna 210 (registration N5957F) operated by Don Kirby was involved in an aviation accident near Medford, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt a night landing without runway lighting. A contributing factor was inoperative runway lights. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot attempted a night landing on an unlighted runway after failing to activate the lights, relying on moonlight and familiarity. The aircraft flipped over after the nose wheel sank.
Landing Attempt
A private pilot attempted to land at night on a runway that lacked illumination. According to the pilot, he attempted to turn on the runway lights before landing but could not activate them. Despite this, he decided to proceed with the landing, citing sufficient moonlight and his familiarity with the airport as reasons for his confidence. The pilot reported that he believed he could see the runway and thought he was aligned with it until he felt the nose wheel sink.
Outcome
After the nose wheel sank, the airplane came to rest inverted. No other details about the aircraft or occupants were specified in the source.
Inspection
An inspection of the runway lighting system revealed that the lights were not functioning properly.
What happened in the 21 Dec 2007 Cessna 210 accident near Medford, OK?
A private pilot attempted a night landing on an unlighted runway after failing to activate the lights, relying on moonlight and familiarity. The aircraft flipped over after the nose wheel sank.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Dec 2007 involved a Cessna 210, registration N5957F, operated by Don Kirby, at Medford, OK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to attempt a night landing without runway lighting. A contributing factor was inoperative runway lights.
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