Casualties unknown

Airport Vehicle Collides with Holding Aircraft on Taxiway L (N5697P)

Houston, TX, US

On October 13, 1982, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N5697P) operated by Millard A. Lano was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airport vehicle checking runway lights turned onto Taxiway L and struck an aircraft holding short of Runway 13R/31L. The driver stated he did not see the aircraft until impact.

Incident Overview

A ground collision involving an airport vehicle and an aircraft occurred on Taxiway L. The incident took place when an aircraft, which had taxied onto Taxiway L and stopped short of Runway 13R/31L to hold for landing traffic, was struck by an airport vehicle. The vehicle was being operated by an employee who had been proceeding along the runway to inspect the runway lights.

Sequence of Events

The ground controller communicated with the vehicle driver, warning him of landing traffic on a 3-mile final approach. In response, the driver turned left off the runway and onto Taxiway L. At this time, the aircraft was stationary on the same taxiway, holding as instructed. The vehicle then collided with the aircraft.

Driver's Statement

The driver reported that he was unaware of the aircraft's presence until the moment of impact, stating that he did not see or know of the aircraft beforehand.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04683. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.