Pilot Debrief

Piper PA28 near Merced, CA — 2018-11-04

Final reportGAA19CA052
Sign in to save
Date
2018-11-04
Location
Merced, CA, USA
Airport
MCE
Aircraft
Piper PA28
Registration
N2956B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper glidepath during a landing at night, which resulted in a collision with approach lights.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during a night currency flight, he flew to an airport with which he was not familiar. He recalled that the approach was normal, and that, during the flare, the airplane collided with three of the runway's medium-intensity approach lighting system runway alignment indicator lights. He then landed the airplane on the runway, and during taxi to parking, the nosewheel tire deflated. The pilot reported that it had been more than 90 days since his last flight at night. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the lower right aft fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

Related mishaps