Event Details
On April 3, 2012, at approximately 1920 central daylight time, a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N1162X, operated by Southwest Texas Rain Enhancement Association of Carrizo Springs, Texas, sustained substantial damage when it collided with construction barriers upon landing on closed runway 08 at San Marcos Municipal Airport (HYI), San Marcos, Texas. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the positioning flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Carrizo Springs, Texas, at 1800 and San Marcos was its destination.
Pilot Actions
According to FAA records, the pilot contacted Fort Worth Flight Service Station (FSS) at 1700 before departure to inquire about Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) between Carrizo Springs and San Marcos. The flight was uneventful until landing. The pilot stated that he called Fort Worth FSS and asked about TFRs and if "there was anything else that [he] needed to be aware of." The briefer did not mention the NOTAM for the closed runway. Upon arrival at San Marcos around dusk, the pilot listened to the Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS), which did not include the closure of runway 08. He planned to land slightly long on the 6,600-foot runway to reduce taxi time. During the landing roll, he was unable to avoid the barricade.
NOTAM and ATIS Information
The San Marcos control tower had closed at 1900. A Notice to Airman (NOTAM) had been published and was in effect since March 21, 2012, stating that runway 08/26 was closed due to construction. The pilot did not specifically ask about NOTAMs. Chapter 5, paragraph d., of the Airman's Information Manual states that Flight Service stations are required to advise pilots of pertinent NOTAMs if a standard briefing is requested. It also advises pilots to remind the briefer of NOTAMs if the information is not received. Additionally, Chapter 10, Section 4, paragraph d., of FAA Order JO7210.3X, dated February 9, 2012, states that facilities with runway construction must ensure ATIS message content is complete, accurate, and contains proper information regarding runway closures.
Post-Accident Observations
On the NTSB Form 6120, the pilot recommended that reflective ribbons and directional flashing lights could have helped him see the barrier. He stated that the accident would have been avoided if the runway closure information was included in the ATIS. He noted that when he flew into San Marcos about a week later, on April 24, the runway closure was included in the ATIS recording. The pilot suggested that had the FSS briefer mentioned the NOTAM, or if the NOTAM had been on the ATIS, the accident would not have occurred.