Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain proper runway alignment after landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that all the runway lights were not working and after landing the airplane angled off to the side and struck a runway light. He stated he was unable to see because of the nose high attitude during the landing flare and the inoperable runway lights. The operation of the lights could not be substantiated. The alaska supplement 'cautions' that the runway is not monitored and recommends visual inspection before use.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 7, 1994, at 0045 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-32-300 airplane, N8908N, registered to and operated by Veazie Air of Fairbanks, Alaska, ran off the side of the runway during landing at Allakaket, Alaska. The Air Taxi flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 135, departed Fairbanks, and the destination was Allakaket. A visual flight rules flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The Pilot-in-Command and the five passengers were not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. According to the Pilot-in-Command, many of the runway lights were not working and when he landed, his ground track angled toward the side of the runway. The right wing struck a non working runway edge light and the right main gear was sheared from the wing. The operation of the runway lights could not be substantiated. According to the Alaska Supplement, the runway at Allakaket is unmonitored and visual inspection is recommended. The passengers left the scene without giving statements and the company did not provide the passengers names. -