Light aircraft overturns after landing overrun on wet runway

Casualties unknown • Rutland, VT, US

A pilot cleared for an LDA/NDB approach to runway 19 overshot the pavement during a wet landing, traversing a 20-foot embankment before coming to rest in an inverted position.

What happened

The flight was operating under the DRG arrival procedure. The pilot received clearance for an LDA and NDB approach to runway 19. During the final phase of the approach, the pilot transitioned to visual references. A check of the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) revealed that the aircraft was positioned higher than the desired glide path. To correct this altitude discrepancy, the pilot utilized a slipping maneuver to increase drag and lose height.

Reported winds were light and variable; however, the pilot noted a slight tailwind component during the landing roll. The aircraft was slightly faster than optimal, which resulted in significant float along the runway surface. The pilot estimated that the main wheels contacted the pavement approximately one-third of the way down the runway length. At this point, there appeared to be sufficient remaining runway distance for a safe stop.

Despite the apparent distance, the pilot reported no braking action on the wet runway surface. A rated passenger seated in the right front seat also applied the brakes, but these efforts were ineffective. The aircraft continued its forward momentum beyond the paved surface, traveled over a 20-foot embankment, and came to rest in an inverted attitude.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and control during the landing on a wet runway, which resulted in a runway overrun and subsequent impact with terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1987-03-21 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Rutland, VT?

A pilot cleared for an LDA/NDB approach to runway 19 overshot the pavement during a wet landing, traversing a 20-foot embankment before coming to rest in an inverted position.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-03-21 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N2083K, operated by Wilbur Highleyman, at Rutland, VT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and control during the landing on a wet runway, which resulted in a runway overrun and subsequent impact with terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30545. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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