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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

November 4, 2018 · Piper PA28 236 · N2956B

Merced, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 4, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Merced, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA28 236 (1979)
Tail Number
N2956B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA052

The pilot reported that, during a night currency flight, he flew to an airport with which he was not familiar. He recalled that the approach was normal, and that, during the flare, the airplane collided with three of the runway's medium-intensity approach lighting system runway alignment indicator lights. He then landed the airplane on the runway, and during taxi to parking, the nosewheel tire deflated. The pilot reported that it had been more 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.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

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.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 PDT
Nearest AirportMerced Rgnl/Macready Field (0nm SE)
Runway30
Runway Length5914 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA28 236
Tail NumberN2956B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-J3A5D · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time02:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data