Approach and Weather
The airplane was executing an instrument approach and remained in instrument meteorological conditions until reaching about 700 feet above ground level. After breaking out of the clouds, the pilots encountered light rain and no turbulence, and they could clearly see the airport. The tower controller advised that it was raining heavily at the airport.
Landing and Hydroplaning
The pilot selected landing flaps and slowed the airplane to approximately 100 knots. As the intensity of the rain increased, the airplane touched down smoothly near the runway aiming point, slightly left of the centerline. The pilot lowered the nose and lightly applied the brakes. The airplane then began to hydroplane, yawed left, and exited the left side of the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
The airplane slid several hundred feet before coming to a stop, sustaining substantial damage. Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions.