Incident Overview
A Cessna 402C, operating as a positioning flight for a scheduled commuter service with only the pilot on board, experienced a runway excursion after an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 7. The event occurred under conditions of wet runway and light rain, with winds from 220 degrees at 14 knots.
Sequence of Events
The pilot conducted an ILS approach to runway 7, which has a length of 3,498 feet. Upon landing, the aircraft was unable to stop within the runway distance and slid off the end. During the excursion, the right main landing gear struck a cement block, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Post-Incident Findings
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigators reported that both main wheels showed signs of reverted rubber hydroplaning. Reverted rubber hydroplaning occurs when a locked wheel skids on a wet surface, generating heat that melts tire rubber, which then forms a steam layer reducing friction.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 402C. The flight was a positioning leg with no passengers, carrying only the pilot. The approach and landing were made on a wet runway with light rain. No other information regarding the aircraft's registration, operator, or date was provided in the source.
Damage Assessment
The aircraft sustained substantial damage when the right main landing gear collided with a cement block. No injuries were reported in the source, and the extent of damage was limited to the landing gear area.
Investigation
The FAA investigated the incident and identified hydroplaning as a factor in the loss of directional control. The investigation did not state a probable cause beyond the observed hydroplaning evidence.