Runway excursion during landing due to insufficient runway length

No fatalities • Point Lay, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft veered off the runway and departed the paved surface after encountering zero braking action during its landing roll.

What happened

During the landing phase of the flight, the crew encountered a complete lack of braking action upon touchdown. Although local reports suggested the runway surface was in good condition and no official runway condition reports were available, the aircraft failed to decelerate effectively. In an attempt to regain control, the pilot steered the aircraft toward a patch of dry dirt located on the left side of the runway.

As the main landing gear transitioned onto this dry surface, the aircraft experienced a sharp veer to the left, resulting in a runway excursion. The crew members involved indicated that performing a go-around maneuver was not a viable option at that stage of the landing.

Findings

Investigation into the incident revealed a significant discrepancy between the required and available runway length. Based on landing performance charts, the minimum required runway length for a landing on a dry, hard surface was 4,500 feet. However, the actual length of the runway in use was only 3,500 feet. This insufficient runway length contributed to the inability to safely stop the aircraft.

Probable cause

The aircraft departed the runway because the available runway length was 1,000 feet shorter than the minimum required for the landing conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-10-08 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident near Point Lay, United States of America?

An aircraft veered off the runway and departed the paved surface after encountering zero braking action during its landing roll.

Were there any fatalities in the 1993-10-08 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-10-08 involved a Douglas C-54 Skymaster, registration N811E, operated by Brooks Fuel, at Point Lay, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft departed the runway because the available runway length was 1,000 feet shorter than the minimum required for the landing conditions.

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