Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision by attempting to land in weather that was below minimums, and his failure to attain a suitable touchdown point on the runway. Weather below landing minimums was a related factor.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On November 21, 1997, about 1322 eastern standard time, a Beech 60, N202RS, overran the departure end of runway 27 and skidded down an embankment collapsing the nose gear at Athens/Ben Epps Airport in Athens, Georgia. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 and instrument flight rules. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed. The instrument rated private pilot was not injured, and the pilot rated passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The flight originated from Witham Field in Stuart, Florida with an instrument flight plan at 1030.
According to the pilot, as he approached Athens, the controller indicated to him that the ceiling was 600 feet and the visibility was 3 miles. He decided to proceed on the ILS 27 approach. At the minimum descent altitude (MDA), 200 feet, the pilot stated he saw the airport and touched down. The pilot stated when he applied the brakes "nothing happened". He believed they were hydroplaning. The pilot did not believe he had runway left to execute the go-around, so he attempted to stop in the remaining runway. The airplane continued off the departure end of runway 27 and skidded down an embankment collapsing the nose gear in soft terrain.
The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane.
According to the Air Traffic Controllers involved, they issued the clearance to land after giving the pilot the weather. They stated the ceiling was 200 feet overcast, and the visibility was 1/4 of a mile. The pilot continued the approach. Both controllers stated the airplane broke out of the clouds at approximately the midpoint of the runway. It then made a "quick descent" in an attempt to land. They stated the airplane touched down at approximately the 1500 foot remaining point of the 5522 foot runway. After it touched down, the controllers were unable to see the airplane, due to the poor visibility. The weather at Athens Airport was 200 feet overcast and 1/4 mile visibility with drizzle and fog. The ILS approach minimums for runway 27 was 200 feet and 3/4 mile visibility.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL98LA011