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November 26, 2014 · Socata TB 20 Trinidad NO Series · N85AV

Hilton Head Island, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 26, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hilton Head Island, SC
Aircraft
Socata TB 20 Trinidad NO Series (1985)
Tail Number
N85AV
Operator
Robert Herman
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA15CA065

The pilot was conducting an instrument approach for landing in night instrument meteorological conditions. After receiving the approach clearance from air traffic control, the pilot tuned his communication radio to the airport's common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) and attempted to activate the airport lighting by repeatedly pressing the push-to-talk switch. As the pilot continued to descend on the approach, he observed the approach path indicator lights, but could not see the runway edge lights, as they were not illuminated. He again attempted to activate the runway lights, to no avail. The pilot elected to continue the approach, which he described as "high and long," and during the landing roll, the airplane ran off the end of the runway and contacted an airport sign, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. Postaccident examination revealed that the airplane had touched down on a taxiway, and came to rest in a grassy area between the taxiway and the runway. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation, and believed he had incorrectly tuned the CTAF, which resulted in his inability to activate the airport lighting during the approach. Following the accident, a test of the airport's pilot-controlled lighting system revealed no anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadvertent selection of an incorrect frequency, which resulted in his inability to activate the airport lighting, and his subsequent decision to continue the approach in dark night conditions despite having not positively identified the runway environment.

Full Narrative

The pilot was conducting an instrument approach for landing in night instrument meteorological conditions. After receiving the approach clearance from air traffic control, the pilot tuned his communication radio to the airport's common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) and attempted to activate the airport lighting by repeatedly pressing the push-to-talk switch. As the pilot continued to descend on the approach, he observed the approach path indicator lights, but could not see the runway edge lights, as they were not illuminated. He again attempted to activate the runway lights, to no avail. The pilot elected to continue the approach, which he described as "high and long," and during the landing roll, the airplane ran off the end of the runway and contacted an airport sign, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. Postaccident examination revealed that the airplane had touched down on a taxiway, and came to rest in a grassy area between the taxiway and the runway. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation, and believed he had incorrectly tuned the CTAF, which resulted in his inability to activate the airport lighting during the approach. Following the accident, a test of the airport's pilot-controlled lighting system revealed no anomalies.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:30 EST
Nearest AirportHilton Head Island (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length4300 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSocata TB 20 Trinidad NO Series
Tail NumberN85AV
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert Herman
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 SER · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightNight
Wind250° @ 6 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingOvercast 500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 61 F
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time02:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data