No fatalities

1982-04-25: Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III (N6823C) — Joanne Lecraw — Atlanta-DeKalb-Peachtree, United States of America

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 reportUpdated 1781221634Data 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.