What happened
On the evening of the accident, a flight originating from Jackson County Airport-Reynolds Field in Michigan was attempting to land at Sylvania Airport (C8ment) in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. During the landing phase on runway 8R, the aircraft type (not specified, but operated by Skydive Midwest) experienced a float after crossing the runway threshold. In response to the float, the pilot reduced engine power to the stops. While the pilot did not recall the aircraft bouncing, the passenger reported that a bounce had occurred.
Upon attempting to engage reverse thrust, the pilot experienced a delay in the engines' response. Despite applying the brakes, the aircraft began to accelerate rather than decelerate. Realizing the remaining runway length was insufficient to stop, the pilot attempted to steer the plane toward the north. The aircraft subsequently exited the runway, struck a fence and two ditches, and eventually came to a stop on a nearby highway. The incident resulted in one minor injury to a passenger, while the pilot remained uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage to the wings and the fuselage.
Findings
Investigation into the event highlighted several contributing factors related to pilot decision-making and environmental conditions. Heavy rain was reported in the vicinity at the time of the accident. The pilot noted that a go-around should have been initiated when the aircraft floated during the approach. Additionally, the pilot acknowledged that the reduction of power to the stops prior to touchdown likely caused the delay in reverse thrust engagement. Furthermore, the pilot recognized that the potential for hydroplaning should have been accounted for, as it would have significantly diminished the effectiveness of the braking action.