GAA16CA334

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that during the landing flare at night he used his peripheral vision to keep the airplane in the center of the runway, but when the nose touched down, the airplane was to the left of centerline. The pilot further reported that the airplane continued to veer to the left and impacted a runway light and a runway identification sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that during the landing flare at night he used his peripheral vision to keep the airplane in the center of the runway, but when the nose touched down, the airplane was to the left of centerline. The pilot further reported that the airplane continued to veer to the left and impacted a runway light and a runway identification sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Personnel issues-Psychological-Perception/orientation/illusion-Situational awareness-Pilot - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Runway/taxi/approach light-Contributed to outcome
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Light condition-Dark-Effect on personnel