Piper PA28
Merced, CA — November 4, 2018
Event Information
| Date | November 4, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA052 |
| Event ID | 20181106X34821 |
| Location | Merced, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 37.28472, -120.51389 |
| Airport | Merced Rgnl/Macready Field |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Piper |
| Model | PA28 |
| 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 improper glidepath during a landing at night, which resulted in a collision with approach lights.
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.
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.