What happened
During a night flight at Keesler Air Force Base, a student pilot was performing an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to runway 21. Although the weather was within visual meteorological conditions, the runway surface was wet. The aircraft approached the threshold at approximately 114 knots, which exceeded the calculated approach speed of 108 knots.
The aircraft made contact with the runway approximately 1500 feet from the threshold. Following touchdown, the instructor pilot deployed the speed brakes and spoilers, while the student pilot applied braking pressure. After several seconds, the instructor took control of the aircraft because the plane was failing to decelerate. Despite the instructor applying maximum braking force, the aircraft continued to travel down the runway.
As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the instructor engaged the emergency brakes. This action caused the brakes to lock, resulting in a hydroplane skid. The aircraft exited the prepared surface and stopped 190 feet beyond the runway end. The impact caused the collapse of the nose and right main landing gear, as well as heavy damage to both wings and the forward fuselage.
Findings
- The aircraft touched down at a speed higher than the recommended approach velocity.
- Brake locking and hydroplaning occurred due to the application of emergency brakes on a wet surface.
- The incident resulted in heavy damage to the aircraft structure and landing gear.