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September 23, 2025 · Piper PA-32R-300 · N47630

White Plains, NY

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 23, 2025
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
White Plains, NY
Aircraft
Piper PA-32R-300 (1977)
Tail Number
N47630
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA25LA363

The pilot was landing the airplane in night visual meteorological conditions. The pilot reported that during the turn to final approach, the tower air traffic controller cleared a large transport-category airplane for departure. To avoid potential wake turbulence, the pilot adjusted the planned touchdown point to be before the expected rotation point of the departing airplane. While reconfiguring for the new touchdown point, the pilot encountered glare from the runway approach lighting system, which temporarily degraded his night vision and momentarily disoriented him. The airplane then began to sink and as the pilot was making corrective control inputs he felt a “bump,” after which he landed uneventfully. Subsequent examination of the runway’s approach lighting system and the airplane revealed that the airplane had struck the runway lighting system before touchdown, resulting in substantial damage to the root sections of both wings and the right side of the stabilator. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain proper glidepath during a night visual approach, which resulted in a collision with the runway lighting system. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot’s momentary disorientation due to glare from the runway approach lighting system.

Full Narrative

The pilot was landing the airplane in night visual meteorological conditions. The pilot reported that during the turn to final approach, the tower air traffic controller cleared a large transport-category airplane for departure. To avoid potential wake turbulence, the pilot adjusted the planned touchdown point to be before the expected rotation point of the departing airplane. While reconfiguring for the new touchdown point, the pilot encountered glare from the runway approach lighting system, which temporarily degraded his night vision and momentary disoriented him. The airplane then began to sink and as the pilot was making corrective control inputs he felt a “bump,” after which he landed uneventfully. Subsequent examination of the runway’s approach lighting system and the airplane revealed that the airplane had struck the runway lighting system before touchdown, resulting in substantial damage to the root sections of both wings and the right side of the stabilator. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:00 EDT
Nearest AirportWestchester County (0nm N)
Runway16
Runway Length6549 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32R-300
Tail NumberN47630
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-KIG5D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 71 · Third Class · None
Crew 2None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point15 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time20:45
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data