No fatalities

1973-11-27: Douglas DC-9 (N8967E) — Eastern Airlines — Akron-Canton, United States of America

Akron-Canton, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 27, 1973, a Douglas DC-9 (registration N8967E) operated by Eastern Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Akron-Canton, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The captain's decision to complete the landing at an excessive airspeed and at a distance too far down a wet runway to permit the safe stopping of the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781232043Data APIEditorial standards

The aircraft touched down 2,400 feet past the runway threshold on a wet runway, overran the remaining distance, and came to rest. 15 of 26 occupants were injured.

Approach and Landing

The crew began the approach to Akron-Canton Airport during nighttime and marginal weather conditions. The approach speed was excessive, and the aircraft was too high on the glide path, resulting in a landing 2,400 feet beyond the intended touchdown point on runway 01. After touchdown on the wet runway, the airplane was unable to stop within the remaining distance, overran the runway, and came to rest.

Aftermath

All 26 occupants were evacuated from the aircraft. Fifteen of them sustained injuries. The aircraft itself was damaged beyond repair.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the accident was the captain's decision to complete the landing at an excessive airspeed and at a distance too far down a wet runway to permit the safe stopping of the aircraft. Contributing factors included a lack of airspeed awareness during the final portion of the approach, an erroneous indication of the speed command indicator, and hydroplaning.