Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Runway Excursion Due to Standing Flood Water During Takeoff (N2086J)

Delhi, CA, US

On February 24, 1993, a Cessna T188C (registration N2086J) operated by Bettencourt Flying Services was involved in an aviation accident near Delhi, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft encountered standing flood water on the runway during the takeoff ground roll, causing it to veer left off the pavement. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff ground roll, an aircraft encountered standing flood water covering part of the runway, causing it to veer left off the pavement. The pilot regained control and reduced power, but the left wheel strut broke, damaging the wing.

Accident Details

The incident occurred during the takeoff ground roll. According to the pilot, the runway was bordered on the left side by a flooded area of land. Approximately 250 feet from the initial takeoff area, a finger-like projection of the flood water covered about seven feet of the 25-foot-wide runway.

Narrative

The pilot reported that during the takeoff ground roll, the aircraft encountered the standing flood water on the runway. This caused the aircraft to veer left off the pavement. The pilot stated he was able to regain control of the aircraft and reduced the power to idle. As the aircraft slowed to about 25 mph, the pilot steered it back onto the pavement. The pilot reported that the right wheel came back onto the pavement; however, when the left wheel encountered the asphalt lip of the runway, the strut broke off just above the wheel. The left wing then struck the ground, damaging the wing internal structure.

Damage

The left wing sustained damage to its internal structure due to the impact with the ground. The left wheel strut was broken off just above the wheel.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered standing flood water on the runway during the takeoff ground roll, causing it to veer left off the pavement.

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.