History of Flight
On June 12, 2009, at 0756 eastern daylight time, a Pilatus PC-12/47 airplane, N877AF, was substantially damaged when it impacted a blast fence during landing at Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Airport (BDR), Bridgeport, Connecticut. The two pilots and five passengers were not injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the flight that originated at Norwood Memorial Airport (OWD), Norwood, Massachusetts, at 0711. The aircraft was fractionally owned by private individuals who delegated management to Alpha Flying, Inc., and the flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 Subpart K.
The pilots checked weather before departure and amended their destination to BDR due to conditions. They first attempted the VOR Runway 24 approach but conducted a missed approach. They then flew the ILS Runway 6 approach. The captain flew with autopilot engaged; at decision altitude, the co-pilot visually acquired the runway lights, and the captain continued descent. The pilots reported touching down about halfway down the 4,677-foot runway and applied maximum reverse thrust and heavy braking. The airplane initially slowed then began hydroplaning on the wet runway. Unable to perform a go-around, the airplane skidded into the blast fence. No mechanical deficiencies were reported.
Witnesses observed the airplane floating in ground effect and touching down at a high rate of speed near the intersection of Runway 11/29. One witness reported the cloud ceiling at 100 feet and visibility 1 mile. Passengers felt hydroplaning and swerving before impact. Airport surveillance video showed the airplane had not touched down before passing the touchdown zone markings for Runway 24, which are 1,000 feet from the runway end.
Personnel Information
The captain, age 27, held a commercial pilot certificate with single and multi-engine land and instrument ratings, as well as a flight instructor certificate. She had 2,840 total hours, 660 in type. She completed initial training in October 2007 and upgraded to captain in May 2008. Her most recent instrument proficiency check and annual check were both rated "average."
The co-pilot, age 43, held a commercial pilot certificate with similar ratings. He had 3,613 total hours, 2,108 in type. He completed initial training in April 2004. His most recent IPC and annual check were both rated "average."
Aircraft Information
The Pilatus PC-12 was a single-engine turboprop powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A engine. The most recent inspection was a 100-hour inspection on April 21, 2009. Total flight hours at the time were 983. The Airplane Flight Manual specified a landing distance of 2,013 feet with 40 degrees of flaps and 2,404 feet without reverse thrust on dry runway. With 30 degrees of flaps, the required distance was 2,933 feet. No wet runway distance was provided.
Meteorological Information
The BDR 0752 weather observation included wind from 260 degrees at 5 knots, 2 miles visibility in light rain and mist, overcast ceiling at 300 feet. Earlier observations showed decreasing visibility. Nearby airports reported similar conditions. No NOTAMs were issued for the wet runway.
Airport Information
BDR is a public airport with two intersecting runways. Runway 6 is 4,677 feet long and 150 feet wide. The usable length from the glideslope intercept point was 3,686 feet. No safety area existed at the end of Runway 6. A nonfrangible metal blast fence, 8 feet 9 inches high, was located about 342 feet before the Runway 24 displaced threshold, protecting a state highway. The ILS Runway 6 approach was flight checked after the accident with no anomalies.
Wreckage and Impact Information
Examination revealed substantial damage to the left wing spar, left wing leading edge, and aileron. The flaps were confirmed in the 30-degree position. Flight control and braking systems showed no anomalies. The engine displayed signatures of full power with propeller in full reverse at impact. No pre-impact anomalies were noted.