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Runway Overrun and Gear Collapse During Landing (N402DL)

Meadville, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 1, 1982, a Cessna 402 (registration N402DL) operated by Darne was involved in an aviation accident near Meadville, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Occurrence #1: overrun due to tailwind, wrong runway selection, misjudged distance and airspeed, failure to perform a go-around, downhill wet runway, hydroplaning. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landing on a wet, downsloping runway with a tailwind overran, causing gear collapse and damage. The accident involved misjudged distance and airspeed, and failure to execute a go-around.

Event Description

The pilot approached the runway high and fast for landing on runway 04. The wind was from 240° at 10 to 12 knots. The aircraft floated and after touchdown, the pilot was unable to stop on the wet, downsloping runway. After departing the runway, the aircraft continued down a steeper slope and into an area of brush and trees.

Damage

All three landing gear collapsed. There was leading edge spar damage on both wings, and the right side fuselage skin, forward of the right wing, was damaged.

Findings

Occurrence #1: overrun. Findings: (f) weather condition - tailwind; (f) wrong runway - selected - pilot in command; (c) distance - misjudged - pilot in command; (c) airspeed - misjudged - pilot in command; (c) go-around - not performed - pilot in command; (f) airport facilities, runway/landing area condition - downhill; (f) airport facilities, runway/landing area condition - wet; (f) aircraft performance, hydroplaning condition - water.

Occurrence #2: complete gear collapsed. Findings: (f) terrain condition - downhill; (f) terrain condition - high vegetation; Landing gear - overload.

Occurrence #3: on ground/water collision with object. Findings: (f) object - tree(s).

Probable cause

Occurrence #1: overrun due to tailwind, wrong runway selection, misjudged distance and airspeed, failure to perform a go-around, downhill wet runway, hydroplaning. Occurrence #2: complete gear collapse due to downhill terrain and high vegetation, landing gear overload. Occurrence #3: collision with trees.
Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Nov 1982 Cessna 402 accident near Meadville, United States of America?

A pilot landing on a wet, downsloping runway with a tailwind overran, causing gear collapse and damage. The accident involved misjudged distance and airspeed, and failure to execute a go-around.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Nov 1982 Cessna 402 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Nov 1982 involved a Cessna 402, registration N402DL, operated by Darne, at Meadville, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Occurrence #1: overrun due to tailwind, wrong runway selection, misjudged distance and airspeed, failure to perform a go-around, downhill wet runway, hydroplaning. Occurrence #2: complete gear collapse due to downhill terrain and high vegetation, landing gear overload. Occurrence #3: collision with trees.

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