Accident Overview
On March 21, 2014, at approximately 1231 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 206H, registration N309JK, experienced a runway excursion while landing at Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The airplane was substantially damaged during the event, but the airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was operated as a positioning flight under instrument flight rules and had originated from Manassas Regional Airport (HEF) in Manassas, Virginia.
Sequence of Events
The pilot conducted an uneventful flight to PNE and initiated an approach to land on runway 33. Upon touchdown, the airplane began skidding to the left on the right main and nose landing gear. The pilot responded by reducing engine power and applying heavy braking in an attempt to regain directional control, but the airplane departed the left side of the runway. During the excursion, the airplane rolled to the right, causing the right wing to contact the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with ratings for single-engine and multiengine land airplanes. He reported a total of 8,297 hours of flight experience, of which 8,069 hours were in the accident airplane make and model. His most recent flight review was completed approximately one month prior to the accident. According to the pilot, there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Weather and Conditions
At 1254, the weather conditions at PNE were reported as follows: wind from 310 degrees magnetic at 10 knots, gusting to 17 knots; clear skies below 12,000 feet; visibility 10 statute miles; temperature 11°C; dew point -4°C; altimeter setting 30.03 inches of mercury. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
Runway Information
Northeast Philadelphia Airport is located at an elevation of 120 feet. The airport features two intersecting runways oriented 6/24 and 33/15. Runway 33 is 5,000 feet long and 150 feet wide, equipped with a 4-light precision approach path indicator (PAPI).