American AA-5 N5832L accident near Jurupa Valley, California

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to land at night on a runway without illuminated runway lights. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to review NOTAMs for a nightly airport closure.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he had planned the flight to include three take-offs and landings after dark, to renew his night currency after several years of not flying at night. He entered the traffic pattern in near-dark conditions and attempted several times to activate the pilotcontrolled runway lights, but was unable to do so, and elected to land without the runway lights illuminated. He reported that he lost visual contact with the runway and started searching for the runway while judging his position based on the airport buildings. At about 20-30 ft above the surface, he observed the ground just in front of the airplane and realized the airplane was not aligned with the runway. He added power to perform a go-around, but the airplane struck an airport perimeter fence located to the left of the runway. The airplane spun around to the right before coming to rest in the dirt/grass area next to the runway. During the accident sequence the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

According to the pilot, he did not review the FAA notice to airmen (NOTAM) advising that the airport was closed daily from sunset to sunrise, which was in effect at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA182 for the full record.