Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's poorly planned approach and failure to maintain the proper glidepath. The dark night was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During a night straight in approach the airplane undershot the intended landing runway and impacted the terrain one-quarter mile short of the runway. The pilot-in-command stated that he felt he could have prevented the accident if he had flown a traffic pattern.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 6, 1994, at 1848 central standard time, a Piper, PA-28- 140, N2145T, registered to John E. Walz of Columbus, Wisconsin, and operated by a private pilot, experienced an undershoot during a night landing to the lighted runway 31 (5,846' x 150' dry/concrete) at the Dane County Regional Airport, Madison, Wisconsin. The landing was made one-quarter mile short of the runway in a farm field. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot and three passengers reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight departed Chicago, Illinois, at 1745. The pilot stated during an interview that he misjudged the altitude of the airplane above the ground on a straight in approach at night. He indicated that he had the runway lights in sight until impact and thought he was on the correct glidepath. He stated that he possibly could have prevented the accident by flying the traffic pattern. -