Runway Collision Involving Boeing 727 and Beech A100

Casualties unknown • Atlanta, GA, US

A collision occurred on runway 26R at DRG during a night arrival sequence involving an Eastern Airlines Boeing 727 and a Beech A100 King Air.

What happened

During a night arrival sequence at DRG, a Beech A100 (registration N44UE) was cleared for an ILS runway 26R approach following Continental Flight 9687. Subsequently, Eastern Airlines Flight 111, a Boeing 727 with registration N8867E, was cleared for the same approach behind the King Air.

Following its landing, Flight 9687 experienced radio issues, which caused the tower controller to have difficulty communicating with the aircraft. During this time, the crew of the King Air landed and moved the aircraft to the right side of the runway near Taxiway D. The turnoff for Taxiway D is located approximately 3,800 feet from the approach end of runway 26R.

Before the King Air had cleared the runway, Eastern Airlines Flight 111 landed and converged with the aircraft. The crew of the Boeing 727 did not observe the King Air until moments before the collision. Although the captain attempted an evasive maneuver to avoid the impact, the right wing of the Boeing 727 struck the King Air, resulting in the shearing of the top of the King Air's cockpit and fuselage.

Findings

Investigation into the aircraft revealed that some of the strobe and beacon lights on the King Air were inoperative, although it was noted these lights likely would have been extinguished during the IMC approach. Additionally, the local controller did not issue a traffic advisory to the crew of Eastern Airlines Flight 111 when providing their landing clearance.

Probable cause

The local controller failed to provide a traffic advisory to the crew of Eastern Airlines Flight 111 regarding the Beech A100 occupying the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-01-19 Beech A100 accident near Atlanta, GA?

A collision occurred on runway 26R at DRG during a night arrival sequence involving an Eastern Airlines Boeing 727 and a Beech A100 King Air.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-01-19 involved a Beech A100, registration N44UE, at Atlanta, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The local controller failed to provide a traffic advisory to the crew of Eastern Airlines Flight 111 regarding the Beech A100 occupying the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22400. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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