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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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October 4, 2018 · Piper PA24 250 · N8220P

Winder, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 4, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Winder, GA
Aircraft
Piper PA24 250 (1963)
Tail Number
N8220P
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA016

The pilot reported that, during a night flight, while lowering the flaps for landing, the cockpit lights turned off. He attempted to turn the lights back on to no avail. He added that the precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights were off and that he could not get the runway lights to turn on either. As he was landing past "the first arrow in front [chevron in the displaced threshold]," he heard a "thump." He taxied the airplane to the ramp without further incident. The passenger, an airframe and powerplant mechanic, reported that, during approach after the cockpit lights went out, he used his flashlight to light up the cockpit. He was unable to correct the panel lights but observed that the runway lights were "bright." He added that, during the landing, he felt the "bottom drop out" and that the airplane landed hard and bounced. Postaccident examination revealed that the right horizontal stabilator sustained substantial damage. The pilot added that he and the passenger went to the beginning of the approach runway and found pieces of broken runway lights. Archived NOTAMs for the date of the accident stated that: RWY 31 PAPI UNUSABLE

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate approach path at night after an electrical failure, which resulted in the airplane striking runway lights.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during a night flight, while lowering the flaps for landing, the cockpit lights turned off. He attempted to turn the lights back on, to no avail. He added that the precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights were off, and he could not get the runway lights to turn on either. As he was landing past "the first arrow in front [chevron in the displaced threshold]", he heard a "thump". He taxied to the ramp without further incident. The passenger, an airframe and powerplant mechanic, reported that, during approach after the cockpit lights went out, he used his flashlight to light up the cockpit. He was unable to correct the panel lights but observed that the runway lights were "bright". He added that, during the landing, he felt the "bottom drop out" and the airplane landed hard and bounced. Postaccident examination revealed that the right horizontal stabilator sustained substantial damage. The pilot added that he and the passenger went to the beginning of the approach runway and found pieces of broken runway lights. Archived Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for the date of the accident stated that: RWY 31 PAPI UNUSABLE

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 EDT
Nearest AirportBarrow County (0nm ESE)
Runway31
Runway Length5500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA24 250
Tail NumberN8220P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-A1D5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 72 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time23:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data