NTSB Reports

The pilot reported attempting to activate the airports pilot-controlled lighting (PCL) system, but was unsuccessful. He continued toward the airport and, while maneuvering for a landing, he lost sight of the airport. The pilot continued to descend, however, and the airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted a fence adjacent to the runway at around 1650 Central time. The private airports owner reported the PCL does not receive signals from the southeast, due to obstructions. The accident airplane was approaching from the southeast.

Editorial Staff

Friday, February 23, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Engine power loss was a frequent cause, leading to multiple forced landings, aircraft damage, and fatal accidents.
Challenging environmental conditions like dense fog, low visibility, strong winds, and night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) contributed to several accidents, often involving loss of control or controlled flight into terrain.
Mechanical failures (e.g., landing gear collapse, engine component separation, onboard fire, loss of flight control) and operational errors (e.g., fuel mismanagement, failure to activate lighting, disregard of low-altitude warnings) also played significant roles in various incidents.

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December 2, 2017, Plato Center, Ill.

Pulsar 912XP Experimental

The pilot reported attempting to activate the airport’s pilot-controlled lighting (PCL) system, but was unsuccessful. He continued toward the airport and, while maneuvering for a landing, he lost sight of the airport. The pilot continued to descend, however, and the airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted a fence adjacent to the runway at around 1650 Central time. The private airport’s owner reported the PCL does not receive signals from the southeast, due to obstructions. The accident airplane was approaching from the southeast.