What happened
On a scheduled cargo flight from Toronto to Halifax, a Boeint 727-200 (registration C-GMSX) operated by Morningstar Air Express Inc. experienced a runway excursion at Moncton Airport. After a series of weather-related delays and diversions due to thunderstorms, the aircraft approached Runway 29. Prior to landing, the crew had been notified of standing water on airport surfaces and received a pilot report indicating poor braking action on the runway.
Upon touchdown at approximately 1222 Atlantic daylight time, the aircraft began to weathercock to the left. Despite the crew deploying thrust reversers and attempting to regain directional control through rudder and control wheel inputs, the aircraft drifted toward the right side of the runway. As the aircraft's speed decreased to 70 KIAS, the tires regained enough friction to follow the aircraft's skewed heading, causing it to exit the runway at the intersection of Taxiway Charlie. The aircraft came to rest on an abandoned runway threshold. There were no injuries to the three crew members, though the aircraft sustained tire damage and a taxiway light was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the loss of directional control following touchdown. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the flight data recorder, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The analysis included a review of the operator's standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding landings on slippery surfaces, as well as the manufacturer's manual instructions for managing crosswinds and reverse thrust.
Findings
- The crew did not anticipate the impact of the adverse weather conditions and proceeded with the landing.
- The pilot was unable to maintain directional control due to the combination of hydroplaning and a crosswind.
- Once the tires regained sufficient contact with the runway surface, there was insufficient time for the pilot to prevent the excursion.
- The presence of standing water and variable winds made directional control difficulties highly probable.