Casualties unknown

1988-02-03: Cessna 303 (N5461V) — Hyannis Aviation — Hyannis, MA

Hyannis, MA, US

On February 3, 1988, a Cessna 303 (registration N5461V) operated by Hyannis Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Hyannis, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and control during the landing on a slush-covered runway, resulting in an overrun. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 303 touched down with minimal runway remaining on a slush-covered strip. The aircraft overran the departure end after the pilot instructed the left-seat occupant to complete the landing.

What happened

The Cessna 303 emerged from cloud cover and initiated a long approach onto Runway 24, which measured 5,567 feet in length. Tire marks indicated that the aircraft did not touch down until less than 2,000 feet of runway remained available. At the time of the event, winds were blowing from 360 degrees at 8 knots. The runway surface was covered with slush approximately one-quarter inch deep.

Not injured

The aircraft continued past the end of the paved surface and ran off the departure end. Evidence suggests the pilot in command (PIC) was instructing the left-seat pilot to "get it down" during the final moments of the approach. The left-seat pilot was not an employee of the certificate holder.

The investigation

Investigators examined the tire marks to determine the point of touchdown and assessed the runway conditions. The presence of slush on the runway surface was noted as a contributing factor to the aircraft's inability to stop within the available distance.

Findings

The primary factors leading to this incident included the long landing profile, which resulted in insufficient runway remaining for stopping. The slush-covered runway reduced braking effectiveness. Additionally, the operational context involving a non-employee pilot in the left seat during the final approach phase was noted.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and control during the landing on a slush-covered runway, resulting in an overrun.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25159. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.