Casualties unknown

2004-09-01: Cessna 152 (N89255) — Alexander Clarke — Waycross, GA

Waycross, GA, US

On September 1, 2004, a Cessna 152 (registration N89255) operated by Alexander Clarke was involved in an aviation accident near Waycross, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misjudged the approach speed to touchdown, and the hydroplaning of the airplane during the landing roll resulted in the overrun of the runway surface and the subsequent collision with a fence. . This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that after landing on a wet grass runway, the airplane hydroplaned, departed the runway, and struck a fence before coming to rest on a highway.

Landing and Runway Conditions

The pilot stated that he was unaware of the wet condition of the grass/sod runway surface before arriving at his destination airport. The active runway was oriented on a 020-degree magnetic heading, with the grass/sod surface approximately 3,000 feet long and 200 feet wide. The pilot noted that 150-foot tall trees on the approach end of the runway required a steeper approach angle and faster approach speed than normal.

Touchdown and Braking

According to the pilot, the airplane touched down about 500 feet beyond the approach end of the runway. After landing, braking was ineffective, and the pilot recalled that the airplane began to hydroplane. He was unable to stop the airplane.

Final Position

The airplane continued off the departure end of the sod runway, collided with a fence, and came to rest on Brunswick Highway in Waycross. No mechanical problems with the airplane were reported by the pilot.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041008X01608. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.