Probable cause
The pilot's improper glidepath during a landing at night, which resulted in a collision with approach lights.
NTSB analysis
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.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA052 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 4, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Merced, California
- Nearest airport
- Merced Rgnl/Macready Field (MCE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N2956B
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.