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Wet Grass Runway Hydroplaning Leads to Overrun and Fence Strike (N6549A)

Greenacres, WA, US

On August 7, 2006, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N6549A) was involved in an aviation accident near Greenacres, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing runway which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with a fence. A contributing factor was the wet runway condition. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported poor braking action and hydroplaning on a wet, irrigated grass runway, resulting in an overrun and collision with a fence, causing wing and aileron damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that after landing on a grass runway, braking action was very poor due to a heavily irrigated section from mid-field to the departure end. The airplane's tires appeared to hydroplane on the wet grass surface, preventing the pilot from stopping the aircraft before it overran the runway end and struck a fence.

Aircraft Damage

An FAA inspector examined the airplane and noted that the bottom wing skin was torn and one aileron had a hole punctured in it.

Pilot's Comments

The pilot commented that the accident could have been prevented by more closely monitoring the runway watering system and by conducting a physical check of the entire runway before takeoff to determine any variances in surface condition.

Probable Cause

The investigation source did not state a probable cause.

Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Aug 2006 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Greenacres, WA?

A pilot reported poor braking action and hydroplaning on a wet, irrigated grass runway, resulting in an overrun and collision with a fence, causing wing and aileron damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Aug 2006 Piper PA-23-250 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Aug 2006 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N6549A, at Greenacres, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing runway which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with a fence. A contributing factor was the wet runway condition.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20061004X01450. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.