Piper PA-28-161 N4349K accident near Lakeville, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot's lack of clearance from the approach lights and the distraction of those bright approach lights during his night approach.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was going to perform two night landings at the accident airport before departing to his destination. He said that he was too high on final and reduced the power to idle and descended. The approach lights were on and the pilot reported that they were bright. He said that he was pressing the push to talk switch while looking at the lights and heard a loud bang. He stated that the airplane porpoised and he then regained control and landed. The approach lights were damaged and the airplane sustained substantial damage. His safety recommendation said, "I should have aborted landing when I saw I was too high – went around, adjusted light brightness in the pattern and then landed."

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA285 for the full record.