HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – Two Hernando County Sheriff’s Deputies, both pilots, assisted an aircraft landing overnight after runaway lights failed to turn on.
On Thursday, just after 1 a.m., two deputies and pilots from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office were at the Sheriff’s Hangar completing paperwork when they heard (on an aviation frequency) what they believed to be a pilot in distress.
The pilot, on an incoming aircraft, was unable to turn the runway lights on.
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The deputies immediately responded to the HCSO aircraft sitting on the helipad and attempted to turn the runway lights on for the incoming aircraft. However, they were unsuccessful.
The incoming pilot seemed to be growing increasingly distressed, as he did not know how he was going to be able to land his aircraft without the use of the runway lights.
Deputies Kling and McLaughlin notified the incoming pilot via radio they would launch and use the “Night-Sun” on their aircraft (Air-1) to illuminate the runway.
They hoped that the incoming pilot would at least be able to see the numbers and the touchdown zone and land his aircraft safely.
The deputies flew out to the runway, positioned the HCSO aircraft about 500 feet south of the touchdown zone, and utilized the ‘Night Sun’ to guide the pilot.
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Thankfully, the incoming pilot was able to land his aircraft safely.
Authorities at the airport checked the runway lights and reported they are now fully operational.
“The worst feeling in the world amongst aviators is being in the air and believing that you will not be able to get on the ground safely. This is an example of a deputy being in the right place, at the right time, allowing this rightfully concerned pilot to get home to his loved ones,” said Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis.
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