Casualties unknown

Aircraft Lands Halfway Down Runway, Hydroplanes into Ditch During Night Storm (N7334L)

Nacogdoches, TX, US

On February 21, 1983, a Piper PA-31P (registration N7334L) was involved in an aviation accident near Nacogdoches, 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night landing in instrument meteorological conditions with low ceilings, heavy rain, and gusty winds, the aircraft encountered hydroplaning after touching down halfway down the runway and ran off the end into a ditch.

Incident Details

During the arrival phase, a landing was attempted at night in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The weather was characterized by low ceilings, heavy rain, and gusty winds. The pilot reported that during the landing, there was a crosswind component, light turbulence, and a wind shift.

Landing Sequence

According to the pilot's report, the aircraft touched down approximately halfway down the runway. Immediately after touchdown, hydroplaning conditions were encountered, reducing the available braking friction.

Outcome

The pilot was unable to stop the aircraft on the remaining runway. The aircraft ran off the end of the runway and entered a deep ditch. The conditions at the time included the reported crosswind, turbulence, and wind shift, which may have affected the landing performance.

Conditions

The accident occurred during nighttime IMC with low ceilings, heavy rain, and gusty winds. The combination of a crosswind component, light turbulence, and a wind shift was reported by the pilot. The aircraft had landed approximately halfway down the runway before encountering hydroplaning.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Feb 1983 Piper PA-31P accident near Nacogdoches, TX?

During a night landing in instrument meteorological conditions with low ceilings, heavy rain, and gusty winds, the aircraft encountered hydroplaning after touching down halfway down the runway and ran off the end into a ditch.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Feb 1983 involved a Piper PA-31P, registration N7334L, at Nacogdoches, TX.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42214. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.