Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot failure to ensure the runway was clear before landing, resulting in a runway excursion and collision with runway lights.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, he stated he was landing in the evening and the sun was low on the horizon. While he was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, he heard another pilot state that they were departing from the runway. As the pilot turned onto the final leg of the traffic pattern, the sun was in his eyes, and he could not see very well. After the airplane touched down on the runway, he noticed the departing airplane right in front of him and he veered hard to the right to avoid a collision. The airplane departed the right side of the runway and contacted runway lights resulting in substantial damage to the leading edge of the right wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have resulted normal operation.