Hernando County deputies save distressed pilot attempting overnight landing without runway lights

HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. - Two Hernando County deputies helped a pilot in danger when he could not get the runway lights to turn on for an early morning landing. 

According to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Pilot Steven Kling and Deputy Pilot Roy McLaughlin had to think outside the box to aid an incoming pilot in distress trying to land just after 1 a.m. on Thursday. 

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When the two deputies noticed the incoming aircraft was in distress, they responded to the HCSO aircraft, which was sitting on the helipad, and tried to turn the runway lights on for the pilot. They were also unable to do so, though. 

According to HCSO, the pilot seemed to be growing increasingly distressed and unsure of how he was going to be able to land without runway lights. 

"You could hear it in his voice," said Kling. "There was a little nervousness. Any aviator would be the same if they never experienced something like that."

Photo courtesy: Hernando County Sheriff's Office

So, the two deputies notified the pilot over the radio that they would launch and use the ‘Night-Sun’ on their aircraft to illuminate the runway. They hoped they'd be able to at least light up the numbers and touchdown zone, so the pilot could safely land his aircraft. 

They then flew out to the runway, positioned the aircraft about 500 feet south of the touchdown zone, and used the Night-Sun to guide the pilot. HCSO reported that thankfully, the pilot safely landed. 

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"Once he put it on the ground I said ‘hey man you did a great job. That was some really good aviating.’ And he said, ‘hey, thank you so much. Thanks for helping me out,’" McLaughlin said.

Authorities at the airport checked the runway lights and reported they are fully operational at this time.

"Had he committed to trying to land without the lights it could have ended disastrously," McLaughlin said.

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