Casualties unknown

Aircraft Hydroplanes and Departs Runway During Thunderstorm Landing (N300SW)

Amarillo, TX, US

On April 29, 1985, a Boeing 737-300 (registration N300SW) was involved in an aviation accident near Amarillo, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 737-300
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

An aircraft landed in a thunderstorm with winds exceeding reverse thrust limits, hydroplaned, weather-cocked, and slid off the 300-ft wide runway. The nosewheel collapsed after hitting a runway light. One passenger reported a minor injury during evacuation.

Accident Details

An aircraft landed during a thunderstorm. At the time of the accident, the recorded winds exceeded the limits recommended for the use of full reverse thrust.

Sequence of Events

Upon touchdown, the aircraft hydroplaned and weather-cocked slightly. It then slid off the downwind side of the 300-foot-wide runway. Reverse thrust was maintained throughout the rollout. Hydroplane skid marks extended from at or near the initial touchdown point to the point where the aircraft departed the runway.

Injuries and Damage

During the evacuation, one passenger reported a minor injury. The nosewheel collapsed upon impact with a runway light, and the nosewheel subsequently penetrated the pressure vessel.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36171. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.