Aircraft: Piper Cherokee Six. Injuries: None. Location: Swainsboro, Ga. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land at night in visual meteorological conditions. The runway lights were set on high intensity, 
which diluted the threshold lights.
The airplane hit trees during final approach about 2,400 feet before the runway threshold.
The pilot stated he was distracted by the red localizer antenna hazard lights, which are located 750 feet ahead of the runway.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain the proper glide-path during final approach in night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees.
NTSB Identification: ERA12CA190
This February 2012 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.
