FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Pilot loses control on wet grass runway during landing (N3117Y)

Quilcene, WA, US

On November 9, 1989, a Cessna 182E (registration N3117Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Quilcene, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and stop in time during the landing roll on a wet runway, resulting in an overrun into trees. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landed on a wet grass runway unaware of recent rain, resulting in an overrun into trees at the end of the strip due to insufficient stopping distance.

What happened

The pilot was operating an aircraft when he reported that he had no prior knowledge of recent rainfall before the accident occurred. Consequently, he was unaware that the grass runway surface was wet. During the landing roll, the pilot attempted to bring the airplane to a stop but was unable to do so in time. The aircraft overran the end of the runway and collided with trees.

At the time of the incident, the pilot reported that the wind was from the south at 15 knots. The airplane was being landed toward the north. The wet conditions likely contributed to reduced braking effectiveness on the grass surface.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and stop in time during the landing roll on a wet runway, resulting in an overrun into trees.
Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Nov 1989 Cessna 182E accident near Quilcene, WA?

A pilot landed on a wet grass runway unaware of recent rain, resulting in an overrun into trees at the end of the strip due to insufficient stopping distance.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Nov 1989 involved a Cessna 182E, registration N3117Y, at Quilcene, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and stop in time during the landing roll on a wet runway, resulting in an overrun into trees.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29882. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.