Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point. A factor was the pilot's disorientation and dark night conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Following takeoff, the pilot noticed the upper door latch on the cabin entry door was not secure. He decided to return to the airport for landing and secure the door before continuing his flight. According to the tower controller, the pilot became geographically disoriented flying beneath the clouds and she assisted him in finding the airport. She then observed the airplane land short of the runway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On January 19, 1994, at 1829 central standard time, a Piper PA-34-200T, N123AH, was substantially damaged during landing at Redbird Municipal Airport, Dallas, Texas. The commercial pilot was not injured. Dark night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross country flight to Kimble County Airport, Junction, Texas. The pilot stated to the investigator-in-charge during a telephonic interview, that after takeoff he noticed the upper door latch on the cabin entry door was not secure. He decided to return to the airport, land, and secure the door before continuing his flight. He further reported that he "touched down short of the runway" resulting in damage to the landing gear, propeller, and right wing. According to the air traffic controller working in the Redbird tower, "the pilot became geographically disoriented below the clouds and I assisted the pilot in finding the airport." She then observed the airplane land short. -