Hello all.

I fly a C208 135 and was flying into KSAT last night. I was cleared for the visual approach 12R while I was 15nm out. I was on a wide right base for 12R and then I become distracted with an dispatch calling at the last second, and I lost visual with the runway (not the airport) and once I reorientated myself, I aligned with that I thought was 12R and was really 04. Once I contacted the tower they realized I was lined up on 04 and said no problem runway 04 cleared to land. There was a MD80 on short final for runway 22 (about 5 miles out and had to do Sturns)

Once I landed I expedited and went to cargo after apologizing profoundly, and ATC said no problem.

There was no loss of separation and no evasive action was required. ATC didn't give me a number nor ask for any details.

I know this was a stupid mistake and I've been beating myself up all day. Is there any legal issue I should be worried about or was that the end of it?

I take that back. The MD80 wasn't on short final, just final.

I wouldn't worry about any legal/enforcement action. You were cleared to land on 04 and you landed on 04 IAW your clearance. End of story. I think I'd worry more about taking calls from dispatch or engaging in any low-level activity that might compete for my attention. Live and learn – and live – I suppose.

File a NASA form and sleep soundly. With that said, if ATC didn't collect "evidence" against you (phone call after landing, asked you why did you line up on 04 over the radio, etc) and nobody else in the sky complained or got upset as a result, I would say very unlikely this will turn into anything.

If ATC did not notify you via VHF radio of the possible pilot deviation, (this is called the "Brasher Notification") then you might be OK. However, if there is any doubt, file a NASA ASRS form!

Regardless of if there is doubt, file the form! If your company participates in ASAP, file that as well.

NASA form has been submitted.

Confession is good for the soul. Even though there was no "Call this number when you land," I'd second the ASRS form, you can do it on line in less than 5 minutes.

And now you see why most airlines set up the approach even on VMC days (or nights.)

I should have also mentioned, the greatest danger following such incidents is the tendency to conform, rather than perform. You might want to watch out for that. It's real, but fortunately doesn't last long.

I have heard of situations where ATC said nothing and weeks later the PIC got a letter in the mail or call from the chief's office.

File an NASA ASRS report.