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Casualties unknown

Localizer antenna damage after go-around on wet runway (N414CB)

North Bend, WA, US

On January 15, 1986, a Cessna 501 (registration N414CB) operated by Visalia Airmotive was involved in an aviation accident near North Bend, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Hydroplaning on a wet runway leading to a go-around decision made too late in the landing roll, resulting in a collision with localizer antennas during climbout. 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 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot elected to go around on a wet runway with gusting tailwinds, striking localizer antennas during the climbout before landing safely on another runway.

What happened

The flight was proceeding on final approach when the Flight Service Station provided the pilot with current wind conditions and the favored runway. The pilot attempted to land on Runway 04 under conditions featuring a right gusting quartering tailwind and a wet runway surface. Hydroplaning occurred during the landing roll, prompting the pilot to elect for a go-around maneuver. This decision was made when the aircraft had already traveled more than half the length of the runway. During the subsequent climbout phase, the aircraft struck localizer antennas.

The investigation

The source material does not provide specific details regarding mechanical examination or post-accident inspection findings beyond the collision with the ground-based navigation equipment.

Probable cause

Hydroplaning on a wet runway leading to a go-around decision made too late in the landing roll, resulting in a collision with localizer antennas during climbout.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jan 1986 Cessna 501 accident near North Bend, WA?

A pilot elected to go around on a wet runway with gusting tailwinds, striking localizer antennas during the climbout before landing safely on another runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jan 1986 involved a Cessna 501, registration N414CB, operated by Visalia Airmotive, at North Bend, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Hydroplaning on a wet runway leading to a go-around decision made too late in the landing roll, resulting in a collision with localizer antennas during climbout.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010110X00267. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.