Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 19.3; Flight Crew Total 114.3; Flight Crew Type 114.3
Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Runway
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
I was flying VFR MKG in the early afternoon. The MKG Approach Controller acknowledged my radar contact and gave me visual approach instructions for landing on Runway 14. Approaching form the east; I had MKG in sight from about 10 miles out. From the moment I had MKG in sight; I incorrectly viewed Runway 06 as my assigned runway; Runway 14. I had the FAA Airport Diagram printed and in front of me on my knee board. I simply failed to correctly identify the assigned runway with my heading indicator; compass; or other ground references. Continuing my approach; the MKG Approach Controller advised that the MKG Tower Controller's Radar was inoperable. I was asked to report a two-mile left base for Runway 14. I actually reported a two-mile left base for Runway 06. I was cleared to land on Runway 14 - I continued on approach for Runway 06. On final approach; the Tower Controller advised he did not have me in sight. As I was touching down on Runway 06; the Tower Controller asked for my current position. I advised I was touching down. He was looking for me on 14; I had landed on 06.Contributing Factors: - As PIC; I failed to maintain focus and understanding about the airport environment and my given approach\landing instructions.- As PIC; I failed to properly plan for my flight; including a full understanding of the airport runway environment.- Inoperable radar for the Tower Controller prevented their ability to see my position.Discovered: The problem was discovered by the Tower Controller after I touched down on Runway 06.Human Factors\Decisions:- Inaction; ac PIC; I never verified my final approach course with my assigned runway- Perception; I believed I was landing on Runway 14; however I was clearly flying to the north-east.- Inexperience; as a new private pilot with 114 hours of experience; I failed to properly plan for and make accurate decisions on this approach and landing. In retrospect; I should have been much more concerned that the Tower Controller did not have me in sight. Although I was cleared to land; the better decision would have been to execute a missed approach and land only after the Tower had me in sight.
A low time pilot landed on MKG Runway 6 after being cleared to land on Runway 14 because with an inoperable radar; Tower could not assist and the pilot's situational awareness of his position relative to the airport layout was not adequately understood.