What happened
A corporate flight operated by The Aviation Department departed from Charleston Air Force Base/International Airport (CHS) at approximately 09:30. The flight, which was conducted under Part 91 regulations, climbed to 16,000 feet before descending toward Macon Downtown Airport (MAC) in Georgia. While approximately 11 miles from the destination, the crew cancelled their IFR clearance and transitioned to visual procedures. During the approach, the crew noted that the precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights ceased functioning shortly after they were activated.
The aircraft landed within the first 1,000 feet of the runway. During the landing roll, the aircraft encountered standing water on the runway surface, leading to a hydroplaning event. Despite the deployment of maximum braking, ground spoilers, and reverse thrust, the aircraft could not be stopped on the pavement. The plane exited the end of runway 28, crossed an embankment and a road, and eventually came to rest in a wooded area. The impact at the bottom of the embankment was reported as severe. Both the two pilots and one passenger sustained minor injuries.
Findings
Witnesses reported a heavy downpour occurred at the airport shortly before the aircraft arrived. The presence of standing water on the runway caused the aircraft to hydroplane during the landing roll. While the crew attempted all available deceleration methods, they also noted a pulsation in the braking system during the event. No mechanical malfunctions were reported by the crew prior to the landing phase.