Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors were his decision to land on the unlit runway and the dusk light conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Although the unlighted runway was visible to the pilot on final approach, after touching down, he 'lost the centerline.' the airplane exited the right side of the runway, impacted brush, and continued to travel forward until it came to rest in a ravine. The pilot reported that 'it was getting dark' as they approached the airport.
Source record
Factual narrative
On February 19, 1995, at 1915 central standard time, a Cessna 177B, N34958, was substantially damaged during landing near Terlingua, Texas. The commercial pilot and private pilot rated passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Civil Air Patrol public use flight from Presidio, Texas. The pilot, who was occupying the right seat, reported that "it was getting dark" as he approached the unlighted Terlingua Ranch Airport. Both the pilot and his passenger stated that the runway was visible on final approach. The pilot reported that he "lost the centerline drifting to the right" during the landing to runway 20. The airplane exited the right side of the runway, impacted brush, and continued to travel forward until it encountered a ravine where it came to rest. The operator reported that the right main gear and nose gear separated from the airplane. The fuselage was buckled aft of the baggage compartment and the right wing spar was damaged. -