On August 29, 1992, a Mooney 20F (registration N3486N) operated by Chien, Bruce B. was involved in an aviation accident near Lacon, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO RECOGNIZE THAT THE RUNWAY HE SELECTED FOR LANDING WAS CLOSED. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S ANXIETY FOLLOWING THE NEAR-COLLISION, AND HIS LIMITED ABILITY TO DETECT THE ORANGE-COLORED MARKING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landed on a closed runway under construction after maneuvering to avoid a departing airplane. The aircraft touched down short of the runway in a soil area, ripping off the landing gear. The pilot had a medical waiver for partial color-blindness to red and green.
Incident Details
While approaching an airport for landing, the pilot maneuvered abruptly to avoid colliding with a departing airplane. He then executed an approach to that runway beneath his wing. On final approach, he observed that the runway was blacktop with no markings. During the flare, he noted that the runway did not appear to be finished. The airplane touched down short of the runway under construction, in a soil area, and the landing gear was ripped off.
Pilot Awareness
The pilot stated that he had checked the NOTAMs and was aware that the north-south runway was closed for construction. He indicated that the earlier near-collision had startled him, and he landed on the first runway he had in sight.
Runway Markings
The closed runway was marked by a cross on the soil 50 feet beyond each end, using perforated orange plastic commonly used for construction barriers. The pilot had a medical waiver for partial color-blindness to red and green.