Casualties unknown

Aircraft Hydroplanes Off Runway During Landing Roll (N3514P)

Calico Rock, AR, US

On July 29, 2000, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N3514P) was involved in an aviation accident near Calico Rock, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll after encountering standing water, which resulted in hydroplaning and an off-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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft touched down on a 3,000-foot runway but encountered standing water, causing it to hydroplane. The plane exited the west side of the runway and crashed into a ditch, collapsing both main landing gear.

What happened

The airplane touched down approximately 750 feet from the approach end of a 3,000-foot runway. During the landing roll, the aircraft encountered standing water on the surface and began to hydroplane. The airplane exited the west side of the runway, crossed over a taxiway, and impacted a ditch. Both main landing gear collapsed.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the physical damage sustained by the aircraft following the impact with the ditch. Examination confirmed that both main landing gear had collapsed due to the forces involved in the off-runway excursion.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll after encountering standing water, which resulted in hydroplaning and an off-runway excursion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21473. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.