Lancair Columbia
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 35; Flight Crew Total 700; Flight Crew Type 650
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown; Distraction; Human-Machine Interface
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Taxiway
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
The intention was to do at least 3 nighttime landings to regain night currency (having not landed at night in a while). The short of it is that I landed on a taxiway instead of Runway 34 that I was cleared for. On low approach after realizing I was lined up on the taxiway I decided to land for the following reasons: I knew there was no traffic (as I had discussed this previously with the Tower also I did not see any traffic); I finally recognized the taxiway and knew I had enough room to land. I decided not to go missed as I was very low AGL when orientation was restored; I knew I had residential ahead and buildings left and right without time to talk with the Tower. Retrospectively I had plenty of time to climb and reestablish communication with the Tower. There were no incursions with other aircraft. After discussing with the Tower I taxied to active runway for 3 successful night landings without further incident.I believe the factors leading up to the problem were multiple. I began the flight from the mechanic shop having recently received a new cylinder. I believe that concern about the cylinder caused me to concentrate on the screen and not be well night adapted. I had not done any pattern work in a while (which requires more hand flying). I was viewing my systems page too closely (I had loss of a cylinder in flight recently). I watched my instruments too much for a VFR flight which kept me from being night adapted and allowed for spatial disorientation.Corrective actions: First to recognize that I had underestimated the difficulty of my flight. I did not think that I would be so concerned about my aircraft airworthiness. Solve by becoming confident with aircraft during day; VFR until the point of the usual brief scan of the systems page is routine behavior. Next; don't underestimate the need for good dark adaptation. Don't try several task you haven't performed in a while at the same time without a safety pilot or instructor. Don't be too confident in airport layout you think you know well; review it intensely. Play scenario through your head; example strobe; REIL; runway lighting (colors); threshold. Pattern work and hand flying in the evening that transitions to night to regain confidence.
A general aviation pilot reported the distractions that led to landing on a taxiway rather than the runway at a tower controlled airport.