Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with an airport lighting system.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he configured the airplane for landing and touched down with the main landing gear contacting the surface first. The airplane continued a normal landing roll until the nose gear touched down, at which point the airplane veered sharply to the left. The pilot manipulated the rudder pedals in an attempt to regain directional control, but the airplane continued to the left. Despite his efforts, the airplane collided with the visual approach slope indicator lighting system, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing. A postimpact examination of the nose gear showed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that he configured the airplane for landing and touched down with the main landing gear contacting the surface first. The airplane continued a normal landing roll until the nose gear touched down, at which point the airplane made a sharp veer to the left. The pilot manipulated the rudder pedals in an attempt to regain directional control, but the airplane continued to the left. Despite his efforts, the airplane collided with the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) lighting system, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing. A Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness inspector performed a post impact examination of the nose gear and found no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.