N2956B

Substantial
None

Piper PA28S/N: 28-7911270

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, November 4, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA19CA052
Location
Merced, CA
Event ID
20181106X34821
Coordinates
37.284721, -120.513885
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper glidepath during a landing at night, which resulted in a collision with approach lights.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-7911270
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
PA28P28A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
PA-28-236

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
FLORIDA COATINGS & WATERPROOFING LLC
Address
3621 GROVE CT
City
FORT PIERCE
State / Zip Code
FL 34951-2910
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that during a night currency flight, he flew to an airport that he was not familiar with. He recalled that the approach was normal, and during the flare the airplane collided with the runway 30 medium intensity approach lighting system runway alignment indicator lights. The airplane landed on the runway and during taxi to parking the nose wheel tire deflated.

However, there were a total of three approach lighting system frangible light masts that the airplane collided with. The first mast that the airplane collided with was 35ft AGL, and 1,400ft from the runway threshold and 2,400ft from the runway touch down zone. The second mast was 1,200 ft from the runway threshold, and the third mast was 1,000ft from the runway threshold.

The pilot reported that it had been greater than 90 days since his last flight at night.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the lower right aft fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA052