NTSB Factual Report

On February 8, 2001, about 1930 Eastern Standard Time, a Cessna 172P, N62332, was substantially damaged after landing short of the runway at Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport (MGY), Miamisburg, Ohio. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was filed for the local personal flight, which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot stated that he was returning from a pleasure flight, and for 30 minutes, had difficulty locating the airport. After he located what he thought was the airport, he turned the runway lights on, to high intensity, to confirm it was the correct one. He left the runway lights on high intensity, and entered the traffic pattern for Runway 20. He then turned the airplane onto final, and "followed the VASI lights to the approach area." As the airplane touched down, it simultaneously struck the last approach light.

According to the pilot, "The approach lights and low altitude prevented recognition of actual height above the runway."

The pilot had 92 hours of flight time, with 30 hours in the preceding 90 days.

Winds at the airport, about the time of the landing, were from 150 degrees true, at 4 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point. Factors included the nighttime conditions, and the pilot's improper decision to leave the runway lighting at high intensity.