Piper Aircraft Runs Off Runway at Hazleton During Wet Landing

Casualties unknown • Hazleton, PA, US

A Piper aircraft touched down on a wet runway at Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and began to hydroplane. The pilot attempted a go-around but experienced engine failure, resulting in the plane running off the runway and collapsing its right main gear.

What happened

The incident occurred during a landing attempt at Hazleton, Pennsylvania. According to the pilot's account, the initial approach was missed due to poor visibility conditions. The flight crew returned to the initial approach fix to execute a second attempt.

During this second approach, the pilot broke out of the clouds at an altitude of approximately 700 feet. Full flaps were deployed, and the aircraft touched down roughly midway along runway 28. Shortly after touchdown, the aircraft began to hydroplane on the wet surface.

The pilot applied power in an effort to execute a go-around; however, the right engine did not respond as expected. Recognizing the situation, the pilot reduced power to abort the maneuver. The aircraft continued its forward momentum off the runway, striking and breaking one runway light before ground looping. The impact caused the right main gear to collapse.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the mechanical status of the aircraft following the accident. Examination revealed that the right engine failed to respond when power was applied for the go-around attempt. This lack of response contributed significantly to the inability to maintain directional control and stop the aircraft on the available runway surface.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during a wet landing, compounded by a right engine failure during the go-around attempt.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1985-12-01 Piper PA-34 accident near Hazleton, PA?

A Piper aircraft touched down on a wet runway at Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and began to hydroplane. The pilot attempted a go-around but experienced engine failure, resulting in the plane running off the runway and collapsing its right main gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1985-12-01 involved a Piper PA-34, registration N4324D, at Hazleton, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control during a wet landing, compounded by a right engine failure during the go-around attempt.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38482. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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