Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadvertent attempt to takeoff on a left side of runway, rather than the centerline of runway, which resulted in a collision with runway edge lights during the night time takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, after receiving clearance for the night time takeoff, he set the heading bug to the flight heading while entering the runway. He mistook the left runway edge lights for the runway centerline and attempted a takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the left wing struck the runway edge lights and the pilot aborted the takeoff. The left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.