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NTSB Report

September 1, 2004 · Cessna 152 · N89255

Waycross, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 1, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Waycross, GA
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N89255
Operator
Alexander Clarke
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL04CA172

The pilot stated that he was not aware of the wet runway condition on the grass/sod runway surface prior to arriving at his destination airport. The pilot further stated that the active runway was orientated on a 020-degree magnetic heading, and the grass/sod surface was about 3000 feet long and 200 feet wide. The pilot also said, because of the 150-foot tall trees on the approach end of the runway, he established a steeper approach angle and faster approach speed than the normal profile for touchdown. According to the pilot the airplane touched down about 500 feet beyond the approach end of the runway. After landing the pilot recalled that airplane braking was not effective, and stated that the airplane began to "hydroplane", and he was not able to stop the airplane. The airplane continued off the departure end of the sod runway collided with a fence, and came to rest on Brunswick Highway in Waycross. No mechanical problems with the airplane were reported by the pilot.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot misjudged the approach speed to touchdown, and the hydroplaning of the airplane during the landing roll resulted in the overrun of the runway surface and the subsequent collision with a fence. .

Full Narrative

On September 1, 2004, at 0934 eastern daylight time a Cessna 152, N89255, registered to and operated by a private pilot collided with a fence at a private strip in Waycross, Georgia. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with visual flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the pilot was not injured. The flight departed Fernandina Beach, Florida on September 1, 2004, at 0845. During a telephone conversation with the pilot, he stated that he was not aware of the wet runway condition on the grass/sod runway prior to arriving at his destination airport. The pilot further stated that the active runway was 020, and the grass/sod surface was about 3000 feet long and 200 feet wide. The pilot also said, because of the 150-foot tall trees on the approach end of the runway, he established a steeper approach angle and faster approach speed then the normal profile for touchdown. According to the pilot the airplane touched down about 500 feet beyond the approach end of the runway. After landing the pilot recalled that airplane braking was not effective, and stated that the airplane began to "hydroplane", and he was not able to stop the airplane. The airplane continued off the departure end of the sod runway collided with a fence, and came to rest on Brunswick Highway in Waycross. Examination of the airplane revealed the fuselage was buckled. The left and right wing assemblies were buckled along the leading edge of the wings. The firewall was buckled and nose wheel assembly was bent aft. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane during the flight. Performance data for the Cessna 150 disclosed that the airplane requires approximately 1,075 feet of runway with a 445-foot landing ground roll when landing over a 50-foot object.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:34 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN89255
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAlexander Clarke
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 2 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 30000 ft
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time12:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data