On December 3, 2007, a Cessna 551 (registration N551GF) operated by Ccm Aviation L.l.c. was involved in an aviation accident near Coeur D'alene, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing roll out. Contributing to the accident was the slush contaminated runway and the crosswind weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a night landing on a runway with 2.5 inches of slush and a left crosswind, the aircraft hydroplaned right. The pilot added right engine power but the nose gear struck a runway sign pad, causing gear separation and wing damage.
Incident Details
The landing occurred at night on a runway contaminated with 2.5 inches of slush. A left crosswind was present at 16 knots, gusting to 22 knots. Prior to landing, a vehicle had tested the runway’s braking action, and the pilot was informed that it was "POOR."
Sequence of Events
After touchdown, the airplane immediately began hydroplaning to the right. The pilot attempted to correct by adding power to the right engine to regain directional control. However, the nose landing gear struck a concrete pad that was supporting a lighted runway sign. The impact caused the nose landing gear to separate from the aircraft.
Damage
The separated nose landing gear struck the leading edge of the left wing, creating an indentation and a hole. The nose landing gear wheel well was structurally deformed, requiring a major repair to rectify.