Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot misjudged distance and altitude during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot undershot the runway during landing. The airplane contacted runway end lights located at the end of the 400 foot displaced threshold.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 15, 1995, at 1800 central standard time, a Piper PA-32- 300, N2928A, undershot runway 29 and collided with runway lights at the Airlake Airport, Lakeville, Minnesota, while on a personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Webster, Wisconsin, at 1710 central standard time. The pilot reported that while on short final another airplane, a Cessna 172, flew over the top of his airplane. He reported that the only way to avoid hitting the Cessna 172, was to "drop" his airplane onto the runway. The airplane contacted runway end lights located at the end of the 400 foot displaced threshold. Several witnesses reported to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector that the pilot of N2928A was gaining distance on another airplane in front of it in the traffic pattern and to avoid hitting that airplane the pilot of N2928A landed short on the runway. The pilot stated he could not locate his logbook after the accident. The pilot did not have a current medical certificate at the time of the accident. -