No fatalities

Overrun After Landing in Rain and Hydroplaning (N6823C)

Atlanta-DeKalb-Peachtree, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 25, 1982, a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III (registration N6823C) operated by Joanne Lecraw was involved in an aviation accident near Atlanta-DeKalb-Peachtree, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Pilot misjudged distance and airspeed; go-around not performed. Factors: low ceiling, rain, wet terrain, 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

During an ILS approach in moderate to heavy rain, the pilot touched down near a runway intersection, overran the runway, went over an embankment, and came to rest in soft mud. Hydroplaning marks were found on the runway.

Approach and Landing

The pilot was cleared for an ILS approach to runway 20L. The approach was conducted in moderate to heavy rain, and the pilot reported breaking out of the clouds at approximately 800 ft above ground level. The aircraft crossed the end of the runway with full flaps deployed, but was high. Touchdown occurred near the intersection of runway 20L and runway 27, which is located about 3,100 ft beyond the approach end of runway 20L.

Overrun and Post-Impact

After touchdown, the aircraft continued off the end of the runway, went over an embankment, and came to rest approximately 50 ft beyond the runway in soft mud. During the subsequent investigation, white tire marks were observed near the end of the runway. The marks were consistent with those produced by hydroplaning.

Pilot Observations

The pilot stated that visibility of the runway was poor and that windshield wipers would have been helpful during the landing.

Landing Gear Collapse

During the overrun, the landing gear collapsed. The terrain beyond the runway was described as downhill, wet, and soft, which contributed to the gear overload.

Probable Cause Findings

The official investigation identified the following causes and factors:

  • The pilot misjudged distance and airspeed.
  • The pilot did not execute a go-around.
  • Weather conditions included low ceiling and rain.
  • The runway surface was wet, and hydroplaning occurred.
  • The terrain beyond the runway was downhill, wet, and soft, leading to landing gear collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Apr 1982 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident near Atlanta-DeKalb-Peachtree, United States of America?

During an ILS approach in moderate to heavy rain, the pilot touched down near a runway intersection, overran the runway, went over an embankment, and came to rest in soft mud. Hydroplaning marks were found on the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Apr 1982 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Apr 1982 involved a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III, registration N6823C, operated by Joanne Lecraw, at Atlanta-DeKalb-Peachtree, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Pilot misjudged distance and airspeed; go-around not performed. Factors: low ceiling, rain, wet terrain, hydroplaning.