Approach and Landing
Piedmont Flight 467 was vectored for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 36R. At 2001 Central Daylight Time, approximately seven minutes before landing, all arriving flights were advised of weather conditions: 400-foot overcast ceiling, visibility 2 miles in light rain and fog, wind from 090 degrees at 8 knots. Runway 5/32 was out of service at that time. The aircraft was vectored for right turns from north and west onto final approach.
At 2002:42, the air traffic control final controller informed another aircraft on the same frequency that there was a 20 to 25 knot right crosswind on final approach. When Flight 467 was cleared to land at 2005:36, the surface wind was reported from 100 degrees at 4 knots.
According to reports, the aircraft was not configured for landing until just before touchdown, and the copilot did not alert the captain of this deviation. The captain added 20 knots to the approach speed due to possible wind shear and delayed spoiler deployment after touchdown.
Post-Landing Events
The aircraft touched down approximately 3,200 feet from the threshold of Runway 36R and was unable to stop on the wet runway. After departing the runway, the aircraft struck an ILS antenna and a culvert, then went through a fence and stopped beside railroad tracks. Investigators found evidence of hydroplaning and poor frictional quality on the last 1,500 feet of the runway.
Injuries
Three passengers received back injuries. Both pilots and one flight attendant sustained minor injuries.