On September 14, 1988, a Piper PA-60-602P (registration N64718) was involved in an aviation accident near Hopkinsville, KY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane overran Runway 26 during landing following an SDF approach. The pilot landed long on a wet runway with a tailwind, and braking was ineffective. The airplane collided with an SDF equipment box after exiting the runway end.
Incident Overview
An airplane overran Runway 26 during landing after conducting a Simplified Directional Facility (SDF) approach. The pilot reported that he broke out of the weather approximately one mile from the runway, with visibility of two to three miles. He subsequently landed long on the wet runway with a tailwind. The pilot found that braking was not effective, and the airplane ran off the end of the runway, colliding with the SDF equipment box.
Weather Conditions
The nearest weather reporting station was located about 10 miles away at Campbell Army Airfield (HOP). A special observation at HOP reported sky partially obscured, visibility 1/16 mile in fog, and wind from 040 degrees at 6 knots. HOP approach control provided the weather information to the pilot shortly after initial contact.
Approach Minimums
The SDF approach plate for Runway 26 stated that the minimum visibility for both straight-in and circle-to-land approaches was 1 mile.