What happened
On November 26, 2010, a Cessna 172M, registration CS-APN, was performing a recreational flight from Coimbra Municipal Aerodrome to Torres Vedras Municipal Aerodrome (Sta. Cruz). The flight was operated by Aeropiloto, Lda, with two pilots on board.
During the landing phase on runway 35, the pilot intended to mitigate potential windshear caused by nearby obstacles (greenhouses) by using an intermediate flap setting of 25° and maintaining a higher approach speed of 6/5kt. The pilot aimed to touch down at the end of the first third of the runway. However, due to a slight tailwind component and the effects of ground effect, the aircraft floated down the runway, touching down near the centerline rather than the intended point. The pilot was unable to decelerate the aircraft within the remaining runway distance, causing the aircraft to overshoot the end of the runway and collide with the aerodrome's wire perimeter fence. The impact caused substantial damage to the left wing tip, propeller, nose gear, and the forward fuselage/engine mount. No injuries were reported.
The investigation
The GPIAAF examined the flight history, environmental conditions, and aircraft configuration. The investigation noted that the pilots were experienced and familiar with the aircraft and the aerodrome. Meteorological data from the nearby Sintra Air Base indicated a moderate wind from the East (080°) at 15 knots, which provided a slight tailwind component for runway 35. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance records, finding no mechanical anomalies or limitations to normal operation. The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making regarding the touchdown point and the aerodynamic consequences of the chosen flap and speed configuration.