Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper approach angle.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot misjudged his intended touchdown point and landed short of the approach end of the runway. During the initial touchdown the airplane struck the white lights at the end of the runway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On December 31, 1993, at 2145 central standard time, a Piper PA- 28-151, N44015, was substantially damaged during landing at McKinney Municipal Airport, McKinney, Texas. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the personal flight. The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that he misjudged his intended touchdown point and impacted the ground short of the end of the runway. Following touchdown the airplane struck the white lights at the approach end. Inspection of the aircraft revealed that the damage included a broken propeller and left wing spar deformation. -