The Honda Aircraft pilot reported that, after receiving clearance for the night time takeoff, he set the heading bug to the flight heading while entering the runway at the airport in Salt Lake City.
He mistook the left runway edge lights for the runway centerline and attempted a takeoff.
During the takeoff roll, the left wing hit the runway edge lights and the pilot aborted the takeoff.
The left wing sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s inadvertent attempt to takeoff on a left side of runway, rather than the centerline of runway, which resulted in a collision with runway edge lights during the night time takeoff.
Aircraft:
2020 Honda Aircraft HA-420, N789RJ
Aircraft total time: 443 Hrs
Engine manufacturer and model/series: Honda/GE, Aero HF120
Rated horsepower: 2,050 pounds thrust
Aircraft damage: Substantial
Pilot:
Age: 49
Certificates: Private
Ratings: Single-engine land, Multi-engine land, Airplane Instrument Rating
Experience: 1,625 hours (Total, all aircraft), 380 hours (Total, this make and model)
Injuries: None
Incident Details:
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Accident Date and Time: Nov. 15, 2022, 22:15 Local
Weather at time of accident: Visual meteorological conditions (VMC); Night; Few clouds at 6,000 feet AGL; Visibility 10 miles; Wind 3 knots at 160°; Altimeter 30.55 inches Hg; Temperature -1°C; Dew Point -6°C; No obscuration or precipitation
NTSB Identification: 106300
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This November 2022 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.
