No fatalities

1991-07-02: Learjet 23 (N500FM) — Kalitta Charters - Kalitta Services — Columbia-Mount Pleasant-Maury County, United States of America

Columbia-Mount Pleasant-Maury County, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 2, 1991, a Learjet 23 (registration N500FM) operated by Kalitta Charters - Kalitta Services was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia-Mount Pleasant-Maury County, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's premature decision to turn off the anti-skid during landing roll. Factors to this accident were hydroplaning conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781211874Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot turned off the anti-skid system after suspecting failure during landing on a wet runway, leading to a runway excursion and substantial damage. Hydroplaning conditions were a factor.

Incident Summary

A landing roll resulted in a runway excursion after the pilot manually deactivated the anti-skid system. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the overrun. The event occurred on runway 05.

Sequence of Events

The pilot had computed landing performance data for a wet runway with anti-skid engaged, indicating sufficient runway length. The touchdown was reported as normal. During the braking phase, the aircraft began to fishtail. The pilot interpreted this as a failure of the anti-skid system and subsequently turned it off. The rollout continued with normal braking. The aircraft departed the end of runway 05.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical malfunctions or discrepancies. Performance analysis showed that more runway distance would have been required for a safe landing on a wet runway without anti-skid assistance. The braking sequence described by the pilot was consistent with dynamic hydroplaning, where braking effectiveness is completely lost, rather than an anti-skid malfunction.

Probable Cause

The pilot's premature decision to turn off the anti-skid during landing roll. Factors to this accident were hydroplaning conditions.