BEECH G35 near Wichita Falls, TX — 2017-07-24

Probable cause

The flight's encounter with adverse weather conditions at night, which resulted in the pilot's loss of airplane control upon landing due to standing water and a subsequent runway overrun.

NTSB narrative

The airline transport pilot stated that the cross-country personal flight proceeded normally until he entered the downwind leg for landing. During the landing approach in dark night conditions, he noted scattered thunderstorms ahead. During the final approach, he thought the airplane was too high, and he considered conducting a go-around. The airplane encountered a strong downdraft, heavy rain, and turbulence, and the pilot saw several lightning strikes ahead. The pilot decided to land and risk overrunning the runway rather than possibly entering the thunderstorm. Upon landing, the airplane overran the end of the runway, the second half of which had standing water on it, and then struck a berm. An automated weather observation facility 7 miles east of the accident site reported, at the time of the accident, variable winds from between 060° and 360° at between 16 and 20 knots, gusting to between 21 and 29 knots with a peak wind of 35 knots. A thunderstorm was present near the airport with lightning observed in all quadrants.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Controlled flight into terrain

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have opted for a go-around instead of landing in adverse conditions.

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Report Photosphotos
• Weather Reports Pertinent to the Investigationreport