Incident Overview
On a flight from Waterloo Airport (ALO) in Waterloo, Iowa, to Lake Placid Airport (LKP) in Lake Placid, New York, a pilot flying a Cessna 310R encountered runway construction during landing. The pilot and one passenger were onboard; both exited the aircraft without assistance and were uninjured.
Pre-Flight and En Route Procedures
The pilot checked weather conditions via the Internet before the visual flight rules (VFR) flight. After takeoff at approximately 1800 eastern daylight time, the pilot requested and received flight following from air traffic control (ATC). About two hours before the estimated arrival at LKP, the pilot contacted Lansing, Michigan Flight Service for a weather briefing. During this briefing, the pilot was not advised of a notice to airmen (NOTAM) indicating that a runway at LKP was closed. Throughout the flight, the pilot communicated with several ATC centers. Flight following was terminated with Boston Center when the aircraft was 20 minutes from LKP.
Approach and Landing
Before terminating flight following, the pilot listened to the Saranac Lake Airport automated surface observing system to assess local weather. Approximately 12 miles from LKP, the pilot keyed the microphone on LKP's common traffic advisory frequency to activate the runway lights. The pilot located Runway 14 when the aircraft was 10 miles out. During the approach and landing, the pilot did not notice any abnormalities.
Post-Landing Discovery
Seconds into the landing rollout, the aircraft encountered several gaps on the runway surface. The airplane came to a stop on the left side of the runway, sustaining damage to the landing gear and fuselage.
Responding Inspector's Findings
According to the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the runway was closed and under construction. Several sections of the runway surface had been removed. Eight flashing markers were placed in the middle of the runway, and cones with an "X" marking were positioned at the approach end. The "X" marking was not lit, and the runway lighting system had not been deactivated.
The pilot and passenger were able to leave the airplane without assistance and were not injured.