Flight Instructor reported during landing the student applied brakes resulting in locking the brakes and blown tires; closing the runway. Private pilot reported while arriving noticing a disabled aircraft on the side of the runway and landed their aircraft beyond the disabled aircraft resulting in landing on a closed runway.
Synopsis
Flight Instructor reported during landing the student applied brakes resulting in locking the brakes and blown tires; closing the runway. Private pilot reported while arriving noticing a disabled aircraft on the side of the runway and landed their aircraft beyond the disabled aircraft resulting in landing on a closed runway.
Narrative
Short story was that I landed on a closed runway at night without knowing it was closed. I am based at this airport and left in the afternoon to attend my EAA Chapter meeting at ZZZ1. After the meeting; I decided to further my night currency by stopping at ZZZ2 for fuel followed by a stop and go at ZZZ3 then returning to my home airport ZZZ. I did not contact ATC for flight following like I usually do since I am a retired controller. I entered a normal left pattern for runway XX at ZZZ. The ZZZ runway lights were on. With both my landing lights on; upon reaching 200 feet AGL I noticed a Cessna slightly off the approach end of runway XX unlit. With my focus on the landing ahead; I landed beyond the disabled aircraft and taxied to my hangar without incident.My error:*A better NOTAM pre-flight should have been done before leaving ZZZ. Had I done this I would have known that there was a NOTAM for the runway being closed.*Upon immediately noticing the unlit disabled aircraft off the runway approach end; I should have gone around and landed at another airport.Preventing this error and recommendations:*Ensure when doing your pre-flight that not only is the aircraft safe to fly; but ensure all NOTAMs and weather associated with your entire flight are checked even if you are flying locally.*When able; always talk to ATC. Had I done this; I am most sure the controller would have alerted me to the NOTAM of the runway being closed.*To further prevent this from happening; I feel that anytime a runway is closed; their runway lights should be inoperative/off. Had this been the case; with the absence of runway lights; I would never have thought of landing.*If the runway lights cannot be turned off for any reason; the disabled aircraft should be lighted with portable spot lights at all times during night.
Second reporter narrative
An advanced student of mine and I planned to go on a training flight. The purpose was for her to get her HP and Complex endorsement requirements completed. We had flown together in a Cessna 172 (checkout flight) and two flights in a Cessna TR182 so far. I found her to be competent; safe and a smooth (good) pilot. We previously worked on emergency procedures; training procedures (slow flight; stalls; turns; etc.); pattern work and instrument approaches. Our goal was to practice full stop landings at a slightly shorter runway than were we normally fly; we already planned we would do full stop landings or go-arounds; no touch and goes. The plane is based at ZZZ1 and we intended to practice at ZZZ; which has a 3000 ft runway. The winds were from the east under 10 kts and conditions were VFR. Once we flew over and had the runway in sight; student configured the airplane for the first landing from enroute. Her approach speed was slightly fast; we both decided to execute a go-around. Her second pattern and approach to landing was stabilized and smooth. She was able to drop the gear and put down the approach flaps which slowed her to about 95 kts. Once under 95 on base; she put in 20 degrees of flaps and slowed to around 85. On final she put down 30 degrees of flaps and slowed to about 80 and we were about 70 when right over the runway touching down. The plane touched down approximately 800 feet from the approach end of the runway. After touching down and on roll out; she let the plane decelerate naturally. At some point; she pressed the brake pedals and the tires locked up. I am not sure exactly how much pressure was applied; but the plane started skidding. Once it started skidding; I also pressed the brakes and helped with the rudders to keep us straight. We stopped about 20 feet from the end of the runway. Both tires popped when the tires locked up.Looking back on this incident; I did feel like the approach and the landing were within acceptable ranges; if anything the speed was on the higher side. After researching more; this airplane has dual rotors and smaller than normal tires; they can be prone to locking the brakes and skidding the tires. There were no injuries and no damage.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.