Incident Overview
A pilot conducting a cross-country night VFR flight decided to make an intermediate stop for refueling. After overflying the airport, the pilot entered a standard left-hand traffic pattern. According to the pilot, the approach was normal until the flare on final approach, when the runway lights began to disappear from view for an unknown reason. Catching a glimpse of runway markings from the airplane's landing light reflection, the pilot added power to execute a go-around but touched down just left of the runway's asphalt surface.
Sequence of Events
The touchdown was described as gentle, leading the pilot to abandon the go-around and reduce power. Subsequently, the airplane contacted unseen taxi signs with the right wing, right landing gear, and left landing gear before the pilot maneuvered the airplane back onto the runway surface. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the leading edge of the right wing from contact with the taxi signs.
Pilot Observations
After exiting the airplane, the pilot discovered that the grass surrounding the runway had not been cut and was waist high. The pilot noted that this tall grass could have obscured the runway lighting as the airplane descended on short final approach. The pilot stated that he was not able to see and avoid the taxi signs. Additionally, the pilot mentioned that he was not expecting to lose sight of the runway lighting during final approach and that he should have made the decision to attempt a go-around sooner.