Cessna 402 Runway Excursion at Pizarro Aerodrome (HK4353)

Incident Overview and Flight Details On November 8, 2013, a Cessna 402B with registration HK-4353, operated by Aeroexpreso del Pacifico S.A. (AEXPA S.A.), was involved in an accident during landing at Pizarro Aerodrome (PZR) in the Chocó department of Colombia. The aircraft was on a scheduled air taxi flight from Quibdó (SKUI) to Pizarro (PZR) and carried two crew members and eight passengers. The flight originated from Pereira (SKPE) and included intermediate stops at Quibdó and Nuquí. ## Approach and Landing Sequence The crew received reports of adverse weather conditions, including rain and low ceilings, at Pizarro. After a delay, they were informed that precipitation had ceased and visibility was good. The aircraft departed Quibdó and proceeded visually to the destination. The crew did not overfly the aerodrome to visually assess the runway conditions before commencing the approach to runway 15. The pilot reported a tailwind crosswind component during the short final approach. The aircraft made initial contact approximately 100 meters beyond the runway threshold on a surface covered with water from recent rain. ## Accident Sequence and Damage During the landing roll, the aircraft experienced hydroplaning and a progressive drift to the right. The crew was unable to restore directional control, and the aircraft exited the paved runway surface into a wet grassy area on the right side. The aircraft came to a stop approximately 500 meters from the threshold. The excursion resulted in major damage to the landing gear, both propellers, and the lower fuselage and nose. The engines stopped suddenly. No post-accident fire occurred. ## Occupants and Investigation Findings All ten occupants evacuated the aircraft unassisted and without injury. The investigation determined that the accident was caused by an inappropriate crew decision to make an unstabilized approach and landing on a wet runway, leading to hydroplaning, loss of directional control, and the runway excursion. The aircraft was not required to be equipped with a flight data recorder under applicable regulations.