Boeing 737-200 Overruns Runway at Norfolk During Storm

Casualties unknown • Norfolk, VA, US

A Boeing 737-200 landed on a wet runway at NAS Norfolk during heavy rain and windshear, overrunning the pavement and coming to rest in a swamp after failing to stop.

What happened

During arrival at Naval Air Station Norfolk, the aircrew were vectored for a Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) to Runway 10. Weather conditions were reported as 200-foot scattered clouds, 600-foot overcast, with one mile visibility in rain. The wind was from 360 degrees at 20 knots. Additionally, the crew received a pilot report indicating heavy windshear on final approach.

The captain reported that the aircraft touched down within the first 3,000 feet of the runway. Spoilers were deployed, and reverse thrust along with maximum braking was applied. However, effective braking was never achieved. The aircraft drifted to the right and exited the runway. Although the captain guided it back onto the pavement, it continued off the end, crossed a road, went through a fence, and came to rest in a swamp.

Airfield personnel noted that heavy rain had resulted in standing water on the runway. It was reported that the runway was crowned for drainage, but under certain wind conditions, water would remain on the surface. The final controller was not aware of the standing water at the time of the incident.

Probable cause

The captain's failure to maintain directional control and stop the aircraft on a wet runway contaminated with standing water, exacerbated by reported windshear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1983-10-25 Douglas DC-8-63F accident near Norfolk, VA?

A Boeing 737-200 landed on a wet runway at NAS Norfolk during heavy rain and windshear, overrunning the pavement and coming to rest in a swamp after failing to stop.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1983-10-25 involved a Douglas DC-8-63F, registration N797FT, operated by Flying Tigers, Inc, at Norfolk, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The captain's failure to maintain directional control and stop the aircraft on a wet runway contaminated with standing water, exacerbated by reported windshear.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44796. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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