Summary
On September 18, 2008, a Piper PA-28-161 (N4349K) was involved in an incident near Lakeville, MN. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's lack of clearance from the approach lights and the distraction of those bright approach lights during his night approach.
The pilot reported that he was going to perform two night landings at the accident airport before departing to his destination. He said that he was too high on final and reduced the power to idle and descended. The approach lights were on and the pilot reported that they were bright. He said that he was pressing the push to talk switch while looking at the lights and heard a loud bang. He stated that the airplane porpoised, he then regained control, and landed. The approach lights were damaged and the airplane sustained substantial damage. His safety recommendation said, "I should have aborted landing when I saw I was too high – went around, adjusted light brightness in the pattern and then landed."
This incident is documented in NTSB report CHI08CA285. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4349K.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's lack of clearance from the approach lights and the distraction of those bright approach lights during his night approach.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he was going to perform two night landings at the accident airport before departing to his destination. He said that he was too high on final and reduced the power to idle and descended. The approach lights were on and the pilot reported that they were bright. He said that he was pressing the push to talk switch while looking at the lights and heard a loud bang. He stated that the airplane porpoised, he then regained control, and landed. The approach lights were damaged and the airplane sustained substantial damage. His safety recommendation said, "I should have aborted landing when I saw I was too high – went around, adjusted light brightness in the pattern and then landed."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI08CA285