Incident Overview

Date: Thursday 6 February 1969
Aircraft Type: McDonnell Douglas DC-9-15MC
Owner/operator: Texas International Airlines
Registration Number: N1304T
Location: Harlingen, TX – ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: Approach
Status: Minor, repaired
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 59
Component Affected: Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL) systemRunway End Identifier Lights (REIL) system
Investigating Agency: NTSBNTSB
Category: Accident
A Piper PA-28 N4531R aircraft, operating a training flight out of Harlingen, Texas, experienced a collision with a Texas International DC-9 at an altitude of 90 meters. The pilot failed to inform the approach controller of his presence, leading to a collision. An improperly installed Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL) system caused excessive glare, contributing to the incident. The DC-9 crashed at Harlingen Airport, while the pilot sustained serious injuries.A Piper PA-28 N4531R aircraft, operating a training flight out of Harlingen, Texas, experienced a collision with a Texas International DC-9 at an altitude of 90 meters. The pilot failed to inform the approach controller of his presence, leading to a collision. An improperly installed Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL) system caused excessive glare, contributing to the incident. The DC-9 crashed at Harlingen Airport, while the pilot sustained serious injuries.

Description

Piper PA-28 N4531R was on a training flight out of Harlingen when it flew a left hand approach pattern. The pilot however had failed to advise the approach controller of his presence. At the same time, a Texas International DC-9 was on a straight-in approach and collided with the Piper at an altitude of 90 meters agl. The Piper crashed, seriously injuring the pilot. The DC-9 landed safely at Harlingen Airport. A contributory factor was an improperly installed Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL) system, causing excessive glare. PROBABLE CAUSE: Pilot in command – failed to see and avoid other aircraft Personnel – miscellaneous-personnel: pilot of other aircraft FACTORS: Airports/airways/facilities – airport facilities: runway lighting Personnel – airport supervisory personnel: other

Primary Cause

Pilot in command ? failed to see and avoid other aircraftPilot in command ? failed to see and avoid other aircraft

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