Incident Summary
A pilot conducting an instrument approach in night instrument meteorological conditions experienced a runway excursion after an unsuccessful attempt to activate the airport lighting system. The flight had received approach clearance from air traffic control, after which the pilot switched the communication radio to the airport's common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF). He attempted to activate the airport lighting by repeatedly pressing the push-to-talk switch. During the descent, the pilot observed the approach path indicator lights but noted that the runway edge lights were not illuminated. Despite further attempts, the runway lights remained off.
Approach and Landing
The pilot continued the approach, later describing it as "high and long." During the landing roll, the airplane departed the end of the runway and collided with an airport sign, causing substantial damage to the right wing. Postaccident examination revealed that the airplane had touched down on a taxiway instead of the runway, and came to rest in a grassy area between the taxiway and the runway.
Postaccident Findings
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. He believed that he had incorrectly tuned the CTAF, which prevented activation of the airport lighting. A subsequent test of the airport's pilot-controlled lighting system revealed no anomalies.