Aircraft hydroplanes and nose gear collapse during landing

Casualties unknown • Carrollton, GA, US

A pilot experienced a runway excursion after an aircraft hydroplaned on a wet runway, resulting in a nose gear collapse and engine damage.

What happened

During the landing phase of flight, the Cessna (type not specified) encountered a wet runway 34 with active precipitation in the area. The aircraft hydroplaned along the runway surface and subsequently rolled off the departure end of the runway into a muddy area. During this excursion, the aircraft nosed over, causing the nose gear to collapse.

The pilot had departed with the flaps in an inoperative state, stowed in the up position. Additionally, the pilot did not calculate the required landing roll distance necessary for the wet runway conditions.

The investigation

An examination of the aircraft revealed that both engines and the propeller assemblies sustained damage.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to calculate the necessary landing roll distance for a wet runway, combined with inoperative flaps, led to hydroplaning and a subsequent runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-03-17 Beech A100 accident near Carrollton, GA?

A pilot experienced a runway excursion after an aircraft hydroplaned on a wet runway, resulting in a nose gear collapse and engine damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-03-17 involved a Beech A100, registration N227BC, at Carrollton, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to calculate the necessary landing roll distance for a wet runway, combined with inoperative flaps, led to hydroplaning and a subsequent runway excursion.

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