Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot-in-command's poor pre-flight planning and failure to maintain runway alignment. Factors were the dark light conditions and the lack of runway lights.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he had landed at this uncontrolled and unlighted airport on other occassions at night with the use of car lights. On this landing the airplane touched down on the left side of the runway and struck a dirt berm.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 26, 1993, at 0630 central daylight time, a Cessna 182N, N92881, registered to Kansas State Flying Club of Manhattan, Kansas, and operated by a private pilot, collided with a dirt berm on the edge of runway 36, at the Grutzmacher Municipal Airport, Onaga, Kansas. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The business 14 CFR Part 91 flight was being conducted in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight departed Manhattan, Kansas, about 0600. The pilot indicated that he attempted to land at the uncontrolled and unlighted airport during hours of darkness. He said he had done this successfully in the past with the aid of lights from a car. He stated that this time he landed to the left of the runway and struck the lip of dirt where a dozer had been working. -