Casualties unknown

1989-07-13: Beech F33A (N961WW) — Richard Sommers — Waterville, ME

Waterville, ME, US

On July 13, 1989, a Beech F33A (registration N961WW) operated by Richard Sommers was involved in an aviation accident near Waterville, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and stop the aircraft within the available runway length on wet pavement, resulting in a runway excursion. 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

An aircraft touched down on wet pavement with ineffective brakes, leading to a runway excursion into broken pavement at low speed despite the pilot's corrective actions.

What happened

The pilot reported entering the downwind leg for Runway 05. During the final approach phase, the airplane began drifting to the right. The pilot applied additional power to correct the drift and maintain the glide path.

Upon touchdown on wet pavement, the brakes proved ineffective. Consequently, the airplane continued forward and entered an area of broken runway pavement. The excursion occurred at a relatively low speed, estimated between 10 and 15 miles per hour. Prior to the flight, the pilot had received Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) indicating that the first 2,700 feet of the departure end of Runway 05 were closed.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the operational factors leading to the excursion. Key findings included the condition of the runway surface and the pilot's awareness of runway closures. The wet pavement contributed to reduced braking efficiency. The pilot's correction for drift was noted, but the subsequent loss of braking control resulted in the overrun.

Findings

Contributing factors to this incident included:

  • Wet runway conditions reducing tire traction.
  • Ineffective brakes during the landing roll.
  • Broken pavement at the end of the usable runway surface.
  • The pilot's awareness of the closed portion of the runway, which may have influenced approach decisions or expectations.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and stop the aircraft within the available runway length on wet pavement, resulting in a runway excursion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28960. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.