Incident Overview
A pilot reported that he intended to perform two night landings at the accident airport before continuing to his destination. According to his account, he was too high on final approach and reduced the engine power to idle, descending toward the runway.
Approach Lights and Distraction
The approach lights were illuminated, and the pilot described them as bright. While looking at the lights, he was pressing the push-to-talk switch. He then heard a loud bang.
Porpoising and Landing
Following the loud bang, the airplane porpoised. The pilot stated that he regained control and subsequently landed. The approach lights were damaged, and the airplane sustained substantial damage.
Pilot's Recommendation
In his safety recommendation, the pilot said, "I should have aborted landing when I saw I was too high – went around, adjusted light brightness in the pattern and then landed."