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NTSB Report
December 4, 1992 · Piper PA-28 · N4338N
Novato, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 4, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Novato, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28
Tail Number
N4338N
Operator
Marin Air Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX93LA061
THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A VISUAL APPROACH SLOPE INDICATOR (VASI) FIXTURE DURING THE LANDING ROLL OUT. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE RUNWAY LIGHTS WERE TURNED OFF, BUT AFTER MAKING A LOW PASS OVER THE RUNWAY SHE WAS ABLE TO DISCERN THE AIRPORT ENVIRONMENT. THE PILOT LANDED AFTER COMPLETING THE LOW APPROACH OVER THE RUNWAY. DURING THE ROLL OUT THE PILOT SAW THE VASI STRUCTURE AND ATTEMPTED TO STEER AROUND IT, BUT THE LEFT WING STRUCK THE FIXTURE. THE AIRPORT MANAGER REPORTED THAT THE RUNWAY LIGHTS WERE MALFUNCTIONING.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND AN INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE THE INOPERATIVE RUNWAY LIGHTS.
Full Narrative
THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A VISUAL APPROACH SLOPE INDICATOR (VASI) FIXTURE DURING THE LANDING ROLL OUT. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE RUNWAY LIGHTS WERE TURNED OFF, BUT AFTER MAKING A LOW PASS OVER THE RUNWAY SHE WAS ABLE TO DISCERN THE AIRPORT ENVIRONMENT. THE PILOT LANDED AFTER COMPLETING THE LOW APPROACH OVER THE RUNWAY. DURING THE ROLL OUT THE PILOT SAW THE VASI STRUCTURE AND ATTEMPTED TO STEER AROUND IT, BUT THE LEFT WING STRUCK THE FIXTURE. THE AIRPORT MANAGER REPORTED THAT THE RUNWAY LIGHTS WERE MALFUNCTIONING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:25 PST
Nearest AirportNOVATO (0nm)
Runway13
Runway Length3300 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28
Tail NumberN4338N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMarin Air Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO