Overview
A 7,660-hour airline transport rated pilot lost control of a twin-engine airplane while attempting to abort a landing on runway 18 during dark night conditions. The runway was 5,280 feet long and 50 feet wide, with dry asphalt in good condition. The pilot was familiar with the airport and had operated several airplanes there.
Event Details
The pilot reported that during the approach, he saw a single row of lights on short final and mistakenly thought they were houses, leading to a perception of being off-course. He delayed the decision to execute a go-around. By the time power was added, the airplane had touched down in a "turnaround" area to the right of the approach end of runway 18. During the inadvertent touchdown, the airplane rolled left, causing the left propeller to strike the ground and damage the left engine.
To avoid losing control, the pilot retarded the right engine. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground to the left of the runway and came to rest in an area of small bushes and mesquite trees. The pilot egressed unassisted through the main cabin door and was not injured. A post-impact fire developed and consumed the airplane.
Pilot Statement
The pilot noted in the accident report that he was not aware the first five or six runway edge lights on the left side of the approach end were inoperative when he initiated the night landing approach.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at Del Rio International Airport, approximately 11 miles north, included clear skies, 3 miles visibility, winds from 150 degrees at 5 knots, temperature 70°F, and altimeter 29.95 inches of mercury.