Narrative:
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
Forced landing on runway
» NTSB
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Thursday 6 February 1969 |
| Time: | 22:30 |
| Type: |  McDonnell Douglas DC-9-15MC |
| Operator: | Texas International Airlines |
| Registration: | N1304T |
| MSN: | 47045/184 |
| First flight: | 1967 |
| Engines: | 2 Pratt & Whitney JT8D-7B |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 4 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 55 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 59 |
| Aircraft damage: | Minor |
| Aircraft fate: | Repaired |
| Location: | Harlingen, TX ( United States of America)
|
| Phase: | Approach (APR) |
| Nature: | Domestic Scheduled Passenger |
| Departure airport: | Little Rock National Airport, AR (LIT/KLIT), United States of America |
| Harlingen-Valley International Airport, TX (HRL/KHRL), United States of America |
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:
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
Classification:
Mid air collisionForced landing on runway
Sources:
» Flight International 13 March 1969 (p.398)» NTSB
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Little Rock National Airport, AR to Harlingen-Valley International Airport, TX as the crow flies is 1071 km (670 miles).
Distance from Little Rock National Airport, AR to Harlingen-Valley International Airport, TX as the crow flies is 1071 km (670 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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