This is an excerpt from a report made to the Aviation Safety Reporting System. The narrative is written by the pilot, rather than FAA or NTSB officials. To maintain anonymity, many details, such as aircraft model or airport, are often scrubbed from the reports.
When arriving at San Carlos Airport (KSQL) in California after the Tower had just closed, I attempted to turn on the runway iIllumination lights. At first the lights turned on and the approach was normal. On short final the lights turned off and could not be turned back on by my Cessna 172.
I initiated a go-around to re-evaluate the situation and try again.
Our aircraft was not able to turn the lights on after multiple attempts. Another C172 entered the pattern shortly after initiating the go-around. That aircraft was able to get the lights to come on.
I am uncertain why they were able to turn them on and we could not. Our radio had no issues communicating with ATC on the flight over to KSQL.
We landed immediately after the second aircraft and never determined whether or not our aircraft could cycle the runway illumination lights.
Considering this issue has been documented at KSQL before and has since been considered resolved, perhaps the intermittent lighting issue still exists.
Primary Problem: ATC Equipment/NavFacility/Buildings
ACN: 1843025
It is a bad setup for Runway Lights to “Time Out” and extinguish with no warning. Better they should flash OFF and ON a few times to alert users that the system must be restarted.
Were you on the right frequency for the lights? Some airports use a frequency different from the tower or CTAF frequency to operate the lights. Also, when keying the mike, count 1001, 1002, 1003, etc between clicks.
Things work and then they don’t, sometimes intermittently and usually without warning….such is the nature of electronics.
Could be….aliens.
I think you should be able to turn the lights on using a cell phone
The only way to turn the lights on using a cellphone at most airports is to call your pilot buddy to turn them on for you.
I’ve seen the new runway lighting controllers need a longer broadcast in the momentary broadcast… 3 clicks, 5 clicks etc. If the clicks are super rapid, the controller may reject some or all of them. Is this the problem? Did the other pilot do more solid broadcasts (clicks)? Ask your local airport manager to show you the controller. Test it for yourself with a handheld.
Correct, the clicks must be deliberate in order to activate the controller. Had the same issue here in VA at KPVG. I was on downwind, doing night full stops for currency. when the lights went out. I rapidly clicked 7 times and nothing. I clicked a bit more slowly and bingo, full bright.