Flight and Approach
Piedmont flight 467 was vectored for an ILS approach to runway 36R. At 2001 CDT, approximately seven minutes before landing, arriving flights were advised of weather: 400 feet overcast, visibility 2 miles with light rain and fog, wind from 090° at 8 knots. Runway 05/32 was out of service at that time. The aircraft was vectored for right turns from north and west onto final approach. At 2002:42, the ATC final controller informed another flight on the same frequency of a 20 to 25 knots right crosswind on final approach. When flight 467 was cleared for landing at 2005:36, the surface wind was reported from 100° at 4 knots.
Landing and Overrun
The aircraft was not configured for landing until just before touchdown, and the copilot did not alert the captain of the deviation. The captain added 20 knots to approach speed for possible wind shear and delayed the spoiler option after touchdown. The aircraft landed approximately 3,200 feet from the threshold, and the captain was unable to stop on the wet runway. After departing the runway, the aircraft struck an ILS antenna and a culvert, then went through a fence and stopped beside railroad tracks. Evidence indicated hydroplaning and poor frictional quality on the last 1,500 feet of the runway.
Injuries
Three passengers received back injuries. Both pilots and one flight attendant sustained minor injuries.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined the probable cause was the captain's failure to stabilize the approach and his failure to discontinue the approach to a landing that was conducted at an excessive speed beyond the normal touchdown point on a wet runway. Contributing to the accident was the captain's failure to optimally use the airplane decelerative devices. Also contributing was the lack of effective crew coordination during the approach. Contributing to the severity of the accident was the poor frictional quality of the last 1,500 feet of the runway and the obstruction presented by a concrete culvert located 318 feet beyond the departure end of the runway.