Date: 202007
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: DIK.Airport, ND
Flight conditions: VMC
Light: Dusk
Aircraft: Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer
Flight plan: IFR
Flight phase: Landing
Airspace: Class G DIK
ATC / advisory: CTAF DIK
Reporter function: Pilot Flying
Human factors: Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness; Workload
Anomaly: ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: General None Reported / Taken
Contributing factors: Airport; Chart Or Publication
Primary problem: Chart Or Publication

Narrative: We were landing in DIK; Runway 32. It was tricky to find the airport with the sun glare on the horizon. We attempted to turn the airport lights on full bright. On the landing rollout; we noticed that the runway lights for Runway 32 were inoperative. It was challenging to make out whether the runway was illuminated or not on final approach due to the sun glare from the setting sun low on the horizon. After stopping the aircraft; we attempted to relight the runway lighting unsuccessfully. There were no NOTAMs regarding the inoperative runway lighting. ATC was notified of the inoperative equipment. DIK airport operations and my co-pilot discussed the airport lighting; and the airport operations personnel told my co-pilot that 'the lights have not been working for weeks; ever since they pulled the signs out'. (For context; DIK is doing extensive construction near the runway). This is highly concerning to me that we are operating into an airport; that is knowingly disregarding the fact that they have intermittently working or inoperative runway lighting on the only runway that we can operate on. Fortunately; it's still summer; and during dusk; I could still make out the runway adequately; in fact; I didn't realize the runway lights weren't working until after we had landed due to the sunset; however; if there is a nasty thunderstorm; or in a few months; a blizzard while one of our aircraft is attempting to operate at this airport at night; this attitude that the airport authority has; can cause a hazard that proves to be extremely hazardous to our operations. This is the type of lackadaisical approach to running an airport that has the potential to kill people. In my mind; it's this simple; if there is an issue with the runway lighting; there absolutely 100% needs to be a NOTAM about it.[Cause is] the DIK airport authority's knowingly and willful disregard for safety; and lackadaisical approach to NOTAMing inoperative or intermittent airport equipment. I highly recommend that a discussion between company's safety department; the FAA; and the DIK airport authority is held; discussing the absolute disregard for safety that we witnessed tonight by the DIK airport authority. This is 100% unacceptable. I understand the pressure that a city such as Dickinson has to keep our operation running smoothly; as we supply essential services that help the city survive; however; this is a threat to the safety of our operation. If they are willing to not NOTAM an issue that has been known with airport lighting; it raises my suspicion to whether or not they are going to be willing to appropriately and accurately NOTAM the runway braking condition; or for this same matter; lighting; when it is snowing this upcoming winter. It is unacceptable to tell me that you have known the runway lighting has had an issue for weeks; without having a NOTAM about it. I also recommend that any company flight scheduled to land in DIK during adverse weather; or near; or after sunset; is planned with an alternate to mitigate the risk of knowingly falsified information and NOTAMs (or lack thereof) from the DIK airport authority.




Synopsis: Captain reported DIK airport is under construction; the runway lights are inoperative and there are no NOTAMs regarding these conditions.