Air carrier flight crew reported after the landing roll out started; on a wet runway with a crosswind; the aircraft began drifting off the center line. The pilot flying corrected the deviation and returned to the center line.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported after the landing roll out started; on a wet runway with a crosswind; the aircraft began drifting off the center line. The pilot flying corrected the deviation and returned to the center line.
Narrative
We arrived at XA:00 at ZZZZ. Rain was in a tempo line in the forecast. The ATIS was calling VFR with light and variable winds. We ran the landing data for the runway condition in case the rain started at the field. When we started the descent; we could see rain at the field on the radar. We were handed off to ZZZZ Approach; and no one would answer. It took a few minutes for Tower to get a hold of Approach to come up on the frequency. The First Officer (FO) was the pilot flying (PF); and did a nice job to get back on profile after being delayed in the descent due to the lack of communication with approach. I asked Approach multiple times what the weather at the field was. It took a while for him to get back to us; but he just said rain. Tower said the same. I believe Tower added winds at 130 at 8 KIAS. We saw the field above minimums and the FO continued and landed. We ended up getting pushed to the left side of the runway. I'm not sure if we were pushed by a gust of wind or if we had any hydroplaning. We weren't sure how close we were to the edge. It was hard to tell with the rain at night which made it impossible to see the centerline. The speed brakes deployed normally and the FO deployed the reversers The FO corrected back to centerline. I came on the brakes and took the aircraft shortly after. I felt us hit a patch of water momentarily and felt the auto brakes cycle. We were at taxi speed well before the taxiway and taxied to the ramp. We conducted a post flight inspection and found no indication of damage to the aircraft. We had the same aircraft for the return leg to ZZZ the next morning. The FO conducted the preflight in the daylight and again found no damage. We could have possibly entered a hold at the IAF; but I don't think we would have received a better weather report from Tower or the Approach Controller. They only told us there was rain at the field without any intensity description or updated ceiling/visibility.
Second reporter narrative
First Officer pilot flying (PF). Night flight on descent and approach to ZZZZ; we were aware of thunderstorms near the airport. We had the most current weather reports and calculated landing data for a wet runway even though the field was reported to be in good conditions without rain. Struggles began with Approach Control not responding to our calls. We called the Tower; and they asked us to try Approach frequency again. Back and forth we got the report from the Tower that there was rain at the field. Selecting autobrakes 3; and quickly emphasizing a landing on a wet; ungrooved runway at night; we were ready for the approach and landing. The airport runway lights were in view so we continued to landing. Fully configured and on profile; we touched down in the touchdown zone. Speedbrakes and reversers deployed we started our roll out but I noticed we were drifting to the left of the runway very quickly. Very quickly we corrected back to centerline. The Captain took control and we rolled to a taxi speed and taxied to the gate. We don't know how close to runway edge we had come because of limited visibility; night and rain. We conducted a postflight inspection which revealed no evidence of damage to the aircraft. We had the same aircraft the next morning. With the sun out; I did the preflight inspection of the entire plane focusing on the left side; again to find no evidence of damage; or any reports from maintenance. We departed to ZZZ without incident.Afterwards; I believe that with a slick; slippery runway; we may have either hydroplaned; or simply got blown to the left from a right crosswind. With limited visibility; it was very difficult to recognize. Again; approach; landing and touchdown were nothing but normal. This is a very challenging approach especially during the wet season when it's at night; and all you have is runway edge lighting; no approach light system; and no centerline lighting. It might be prudent to change the arrival time to daytime during the wet season but that's beyond my paygrade!
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.