PIPER PA-28-161
Lakeville, MN — September 18, 2008
Event Information
| Date | September 18, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CHI08CA285 |
| Event ID | 20081003X41457 |
| Location | Lakeville, MN |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 44.62778, -93.22806 |
| Airport | Airlake Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-28-161 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | NITE |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's lack of clearance from the approach lights and the distraction of those bright approach lights during his night approach.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he was going to perform two night landings at the accident airport before departing to his destination. He said that he was too high on final and reduced the power to idle and descended. The approach lights were on and the pilot reported that they were bright. He said that he was pressing the push to talk switch while looking at the lights and heard a loud bang. He stated that the airplane porpoised, he then regained control, and landed. The approach lights were damaged and the airplane sustained substantial damage. His safety recommendation said, "I should have aborted landing when I saw I was too high – went around, adjusted light brightness in the pattern and then landed."
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.