Aircraft: Cessna 182. Injuries: None. Location: Alexandria, Minn. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land at night when the airplane lost electrical power.
During the landing flare, the pilot lost sight of the runway lights on the right side of the airplane.
The airplane went off the runway and hit a runway sign.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the night landing.
NTSB Identification: CEN12CA065
This November 2011 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Jack has it right!
I, at age sixteen learned night landings on a dark field with no runway lights and no landing lights. It pays to push the envelope on purpose by raising your proficiency levels.
It would probably be a good idea for pilots to try a few night landings without the landing lights. It is just a matter of staying equidistant from each side of the runway lights.