Event Description
A crew was conducting a positioning flight from New York to Chambers Field Naval Air Station in Norfolk to pick up troops on behalf of the US Army. During the approach, the primary hydraulic system failed. Despite the failure, the crew continued the approach and the aircraft touched down 275 feet past the runway threshold. After traveling approximately 1,400 feet along the runway, the airplane veered off the runway to the left and struck an embankment before coming to rest. All five crew members were uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the loss of directional control during the landing roll was caused by improper use of propeller reversing and braking. Additionally, two contributing factors were identified: the captain's inadequate familiarity with the aircraft systems and procedures under normal system hydraulic failure, and the failure of the hydraulic system for an undetermined reason.
Probable Cause
Loss of directional control during the landing roll caused by improper use of propeller reversing and braking. Contributing factors: the captain's inadequate familiarity with the aircraft systems and procedures under normal system hydraulic failure, and failure of the hydraulic system for an undetermined reason.