CHI02LA209

The airplane impacted a series of four foot high approach lights located at the approach end of the runway. The runway contained markings delineating a displaced threshold as well as being listed as having a displaced threshold in the Airport Facility Directory. The manager of the airport stated that another airplane hit the same series of lights approximately one week before the accident.

On July 24, 2002, at 0800 central daylight time, a Beech S35, N6162G, owned and piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted runway approach lights during approach and landing on runway 30 at the Airlake Airport (LVN), Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot and two passengers were uninjured. The flight originated from the Fort Dodge Regional Airport, Fort Dodge, Iowa, at 0715, en route to LVN.

Runway 30 (4,098 feet by 75 feet, asphalt) is equipped with a medium intensity approach lighting system consisting of four light units approximately 4 feet in height traversing the approach end of the runway. The runway has a displaced threshold which is marked on its surface and also listed in the Airport Facility Directory as having a 391 foot displaced threshold.

According to the airport manager, another airplane hit the same approach lights during approach and landing approximately one week prior to the accident involving N6162G.