Cessna 525 N865HC accident near Richmond, Virginia

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing in rain and gusting wind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was landing the small business jet, and about 1 minute prior to landing an aviation surface weather report indicated that a quartering left headwind at 20 kts with gusts to 26 kts prevailed. The pilot continued the approach and while in visual flight rules conditions and noted rain over the runway about 1,000 ft from the threshold. The pilot landed the airplane on the grooved asphalt runway and observed that there was no standing water. During the landing roll, the airplane encountered heavy rain and the pilot stated that it began “hydroplaning” toward the right side of the runway. The right wing of the airplane then impacted 3 edge lights and one location sign before the pilot was able to regain control and then taxi off the runway and to the ramp. The airplane’s right wing was substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot stated that there preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that there was no evidence of tread rubber reversion on either main landing gear tire that would be associated with hydroplaning during landing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA293 for the full record.