Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision to attempt a landing on and his failure to align with an unlighted runway at night. Factors were the lack of runway lighting and the night light condition.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he keyed his mike several times in an attempt to activate the runway lighting. However, his attempts were unsuccessful. The pilot stated that he believed that he had the runway in sight, even without the lights, and continued with his approach and landing. At touchdown the pilot said he felt a jolt and the airplane came to an immediate stop 15 feet south of the runway. All three landing gear collapsed and both wings were substantially damaged
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 14, 1997, at about 0030 eastern daylight time a Piper PA-28, N9268W, owned and operated by the private pilot collided with the ground 15 feet south of runway 28, while attempting to land without runway lighting, at the Morgantown airport, Morgantown, Pennsylvania. The pilot and sole occupant was not injured, however, the aircraft sustained substantial damage. Visual Meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed. The flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that he keyed his mike several times in an attempt to activate the runway lighting. However, his attempts were unsuccessful. The pilot stated that he believed that he had the runway in sight, even without the lights, and continued with his approach and landing. At touchdown the pilot said he felt a jolt and the airplane came to an immediate stop. All three landing gear collapsed and both wings were substantially damaged. The owner/pilot failed to submit an NTSB Form 6120.1/2 by the time of this report. -