Aircraft wing damage following runway excursion due to flood water

Casualties unknown • Delhi, CA, US

An aircraft sustained structural damage after encountering standing flood water on a runway during takeoff ground roll, causing the plane to veer off the pavement.

What happened

During the takeoff ground roll, the pilot encountered standing flood water on the runway. The runway, which was 25 feet wide, was bordered on its left side by a flooded area of land. Approximately 250 feet from the initial takeoff area, a finger-like projection of flood water covered about seven feet of the runway surface.

Upon encountering this water, the aircraft veered left off the pavement. The pilot was able to regain control and reduced engine power to idle. As the aircraft slowed to approximately 25 mph, the pilot steered the plane back onto the pavement. While the right wheel successfully returned to the paved surface, the left wheel encountered the asphalt lip of the runway, causing the strut to break off just above the wheel. Consequently, the left wing struck the ground, resulting in damage to the internal structure of the wing. There were no injuries reported.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the runway after encountering standing flood water on the pavement during takeoff roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-02-24 Cessna T188C accident near Delhi, CA?

An aircraft sustained structural damage after encountering standing flood water on a runway during takeoff ground roll, causing the plane to veer off the pavement.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-02-24 involved a Cessna T188C, registration N2086J, operated by Bettencourt Flying Services, at Delhi, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the runway after encountering standing flood water on the pavement during takeoff roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11857. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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