Primary finding
Probable cause
The non-certificated pilot’s loss of control during the night landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the airport manager, the non-certificated pilot attempted to land the light sport airplane at night. The airplane was not equipped with a two-way radio to activate the airport’s pilot-controlled runway lights. The pilot’s first landing attempt resulted in a go-around. After the go-around, the pilot called and asked a friend to shine headlights from a vehicle to illuminate the runway. On the second landing attempt, the airplane landed hard, bounced, and the pilot attempted a go-around. During the go-around the airplane impacted a beanfield. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot did not return the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.