Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision in attempting a night landing at an airport without operating runway lights which resulted in a touchdown off the runway. Factors which contributed to the accident were: an airplane lighting malfunction for an undetermined reason(s) and the dark night light condition.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that about 40 miles from his destination, the airplane's lights blinked on and off due to a short in the system. He elected to land at goldsboro, aware that the runway lights were inoperative. The airplane landed about 20 ft left of the runway, in the grass, and collided with a piece of cultivating equipment. During examination of the wreckage, the landing light was operated several times & functioned normally.
Source record
Factual narrative
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