Accident Overview
At approximately 0140Z on 25 October 2001, a Mooney M20C, registration ZS-NYU, sustained substantial damage during a night landing at FAWB. The aircraft was on a private VFR night flight from FAWB to Kuruman with two passengers aboard. The pilot, who held a valid private pilot license, night rating, and medical certificate, had 121 total flying hours, with 24 hours on type.
Sequence of Events
The pilot took off from FAWB but shortly afterward encountered adverse weather and returned to the airport. At that time, a power failure at FAWB rendered all runway lights inoperative. The pilot spent approximately 15 minutes in the FAWB circuit, repeatedly attempting to activate the runway lights via remote control, without success.
After failing to restore lighting, the pilot resumed the intended route. However, the weather had worsened and was closer to FAWB. He then attempted to divert to Pilanesberg, but weather conditions there did not permit a landing. Returning again to FAWB, where the lights remained off, the pilot decided to land on Runway 11 without lights. During the landing, the aircraft touched down to the left of the runway, and the propeller struck one of the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lights.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, meteorological conditions included thunderstorms, rain, and drizzle. The pilot did not obtain an official weather report but reportedly retrieved weather information from the internet. No weather information was obtained for the destination.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was reported to be correctly maintained according to available documentation. The pilot had a valid license, night rating, and medical certificate. No flight plan was filed for the flight.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller, nose landing gear doors, and the lower belly behind the nose landing gear. The PAPI light struck by the propeller was destroyed. All three occupants escaped unharmed; there were no injuries or fatalities.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as determined by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, was improper VFR into IMC resulting in a collision with an object on the ground.