What happened
On the afternoon of the incident, United Express Flight 3363, an Embraer ERJ-145 operated by Trans States Airlines LLC, was conducting an instrument landing system approach to Runway 32 at Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. The flight crew had originally intended to use Runway 25, but due to company restrictions regarding wet runway operations and forecasted rain, they opted for the longer Runway 32.
As the aircraft approached the threshold, heavy rain began to fall, significantly reducing visibility. During the flare, the crew encountered a downpour that obscured the runway view. Noticing an increased descent rate, the pilot applied maximum thrust. The aircraft initially touched down 2700 feet beyond the threshold, but due to the high speed, it became airborne again before a second touchdown occurred at 3037 feet.
Following the second touchdown, the aircraft began to skid on the wet surface. Despite the application of maximum braking by both the captain and the first officer, the aircraft failed to decelerate effectively. The aircraft continued to slide down the runway, generating a large water spray, and eventually veered off the paved surface. The nosewheel exited the pavement 8120 feet from the threshold.
After the aircraft came to a halt, the crew discovered a fuel leak during an inspection by airport rescue and firefighting services. This prompted an immediate evacuation of all passengers and crew. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries reported during the event.
Findings
- The presence of heavy rain and significant standing water on the runway surface contributed to the loss of braking effectiveness.
- Hydroplaning or loss of directional control occurred as the aircraft skidded sideways during the landing roll.
- The aircraft's inability to decelerate led to the nosewheel exiting the paved area of the runway.