Casualties unknown

2001-09-01: Beech 58P (N6412X) — Theodosia, MO

Theodosia, MO, US

On September 1, 2001, a Beech 58P (registration N6412X) was involved in an aviation accident near Theodosia, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Diminished braking action due to standing water on the runway. A factor associated with the accident was the ditch which the airplane contacted. 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

A pilot reported hydroplaning on a rain-soaked runway during landing, resulting in the aircraft contacting a drainage ditch off the end of the runway.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft departed the runway after landing and came to rest in a drainage ditch. According to the pilot, the airplane touched down within the first 500 feet of the runway. During the landing roll, the airplane did not decelerate as expected. The pilot reported that there was more standing water on the runway than anticipated, which resulted in "almost zero braking capacity."

Pilot Account

Prior to landing, the pilot circled the airport to wait for a rain shower to pass. On final approach, the pilot noted the runway conditions and decided to continue the landing rather than attempt a go-around, citing rising terrain off the departure end of the runway. During the landing roll, the pilot held the yoke full back and pumped the brakes through several episodes of hydroplaning. The pilot concentrated on maintaining control of the aircraft, slowing it down, and steering toward what was perceived as the least damaging area of the overrun. Despite these efforts, the airplane contacted a drainage ditch beyond the runway end.

Conditions

The accident occurred during a rain shower, with standing water present on the runway surface. The pilot reported that the braking action was significantly reduced due to hydroplaning.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010904X01871. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.