Incident Summary
A pilot reported that, during a night landing, his airplane struck a taxiway light, resulting in substantial damage to the pressurized cabin and the right-side propeller. The pilot stated that he landed about 10 knots faster than his routine speed and, while exiting the runway, he did not follow the taxi centerline guide but instead taxied right of centerline. He was momentarily distracted in the cockpit while manipulating the radio.
Details of the Event
After the landing roll, the pilot exited the runway and initiated a right turn. During this turn, he was distracted by radio manipulation and did not maintain the correct taxi path. He subsequently recaptured the taxiway centerline and parked the airplane. The next morning, during his preflight inspection, the pilot discovered damage to the pressurized cabin and the right-side propeller. Further examination revealed that the right-side propeller had struck a taxiway light. The dislodged light and propeller blade tip then struck the cabin, causing the damage.
Damage Assessment
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the pressurized cabin. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.