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NTSB Report
February 10, 1987 · Piper PA-28R-180 · N7498J
Tulare, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 10, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Tulare, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28R-180
Tail Number
N7498J
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX87LA115
THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LAND WHILE THE RUNWAY AND VASI APPROACH LIGHTS WERE OFF. THE NIGHT WAS DARK AND HE INADVERTENTLY LANDED ON A ROADWAY PARALLEL TO THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A FENCE WHEN THE ROAD CAME TO A DEAD END ADJACENT TO THE NEAR MIDFIELD POINT ON THE RUNWAY. THE RUNWAY AND APPROACH LIGHTS AT THE AIRPORT ARE RADIO CONTROLLED. DURING A TELEPHONIC INTERVIEW, THE PILOT SAID HE HAD NEVER USED THE RADIO PROCEDURES TO ILLUMINATE RUNWAY LIGHTS. THE PILOT'S MEDICAL CERTIFICATE WAS NOT VALID FOR NIGHT FLIGHT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LAND WHILE THE RUNWAY AND VASI APPROACH LIGHTS WERE OFF. THE NIGHT WAS DARK AND HE INADVERTENTLY LANDED ON A ROADWAY PARALLEL TO THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A FENCE WHEN THE ROAD CAME TO A DEAD END ADJACENT TO THE NEAR MIDFIELD POINT ON THE RUNWAY. THE RUNWAY AND APPROACH LIGHTS AT THE AIRPORT ARE RADIO CONTROLLED. DURING A TELEPHONIC INTERVIEW, THE PILOT SAID HE HAD NEVER USED THE RADIO PROCEDURES TO ILLUMINATE RUNWAY LIGHTS. THE PILOT'S MEDICAL CERTIFICATE WAS NOT VALID FOR NIGHT FLIGHT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:20 PST
Nearest AirportMefford Field (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28R-180
Tail NumberN7498J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-B1E · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO