BRAINERD, MN, USA
N3967K
PIPER PA-28-140
THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED WHEN IT COLLIDED WITH VISUAL APPROACH SLOPE INDICATOR (VASI) DURING A NIGHT LANDING ATTEMPT TO AN UNLIGHTED RUNWAY AT THE COMPLETION OF A PERSONAL FLIGHT. THE STUDENT PILOT WAS NOT INJURED. THE PILOT STATED ON HIS ACCIDENT REPORT FORM THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE LIGHTS TWICE BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. DURING HIS FINAL APPROACH TO THE LANDING RUNWAY HE STATES THAT WIND WHICH HE DESCRIBES AS 'SEVERE WIND SHEAR' DISPLACED HIM TO THE POINT THAT HE HAD TO LAND ALONGSIDE THE RUNWAY. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE VASI SUPPORT DURING THE LANDING ROLL. AN OPERATIONAL CHECK OF THE AIRPORT LIGHTING SYSTEM WAS CONDUCTED BY AIRPORT PERSONNEL AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THIS TEST SHOWED THE LIGHTS TO BE OPERATING CORRECTLY.
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT WITH THE RUNWAY.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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