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Flight Instructor and Student Pilot Involved in Runway Overrun After Hydroplaning (N98145)

Sussex, NJ, US

On October 4, 2003, a Cessna 172P (registration N98145) operated by Century Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Sussex, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's failure to initiate a go-around. A factor was the wet runway conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing on a wet runway, an airplane hydroplaned after touching down midfield, overran the departure end, and struck mud with the nose gear. The flight instructor reported possible higher than normal approach speeds.

Incident Overview

During the approach and landing, the flight instructor was at the controls with the student pilot, talking him through the maneuvers. The airplane touched down approximately "midfield" on a wet runway.

Sequence of Events

After touchdown, the airplane hydroplaned and overran the departure end of the runway. The nose landing gear encountered mud, and the left wing tip and propeller struck the ground. The brakes operated normally before and after the accident.

Runway Information

The runway was 3,499 feet long, with a displaced threshold of 1,100 feet.

Wind Conditions

The flight instructor stated that the winds were calm at the time of the accident. However, winds reported at the airport shortly beforehand indicated a 4-knot tailwind for the runway utilized.

Operational Factors

The flight instructor also stated that the approach and landing speeds may have been higher than normal.

Runway excursion

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Oct 2003 Cessna 172P accident near Sussex, NJ?

During a landing on a wet runway, an airplane hydroplaned after touching down midfield, overran the departure end, and struck mud with the nose gear. The flight instructor reported possible higher than normal approach speeds.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Oct 2003 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N98145, operated by Century Air, Inc., at Sussex, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight instructor's failure to initiate a go-around. A factor was the wet runway conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040121X00078. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.