I just flew into Unalaska (PADU) for the first time after a long flight from Adak in the RV-6. It was late afternoon (in winter) when I left, and the sun was getting low as I got close to Unalaska, but I was still in what I thought of as daylight. I flew the approach from the north as per the NDB-A DTP. It has you coming into the bay on an approach course of 166 at 3700.

 

As I turned in to that course and entered the bay, the sun fell below the mountains to the west and all of a sudden it was night. It disoriented me a bit and I didn't get a good glide slope. I could see I was high based on the runway landing lights, and started to drop faster, but the speed picked up too rapidly. At a course of 166 I was headed right for a small island, and realized I would need to turn into a final on runway 12 near that island. Was I dropping too fast?

 

Still going too fast I didn't make a perfect turn. Jeez, the runway is close!

 

Too far left. Corrected too far right. Over the runway. Finally centered. See the tire marks at the wrong end of the runway. Moment of panic as I forgot the missed approach procedure. Start climbing out as I bring the flaps back up and glance at the chart. Oh, back to 166 for the missed approach. OK, Up to 3000. Hey, that's a mountain just ahead! Not climbing fast enough. Start my climbing left turn to get out. OK, can stop to think again.

 

Got out of the bay and approached back in. This time I did get down, and about all I can say is it was a landing I could walk away from.

 

Definitely need some more practice with that airport...

Very neat, and a great job describing it - you had me right there with you on that one!