Flight History
On 26 November 2010, a Cessna 172M, serial number 1158, registration CS-APN, departed from Coimbra Municipal Aerodrome on a leisure flight with two pilots on board, destined for Torres Vedras Municipal Aerodrome (Santa Cruz). The pilot intended to land on runway 35, anticipating moderate wind from the east (080° at 15 knots) and possible wind shear on final approach. He selected 25° of flaps and maintained a slightly higher speed (65 knots), aiming to touch down at the end of the first third of the runway. After a left-hand circuit, the pilot touched down approximately midway down the runway. Braking was insufficient to stop within the remaining distance; the aircraft overran the runway end, collided with a wire fence marking the aerodrome perimeter, and came to rest on adjacent terrain.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Reims Aviation Cessna 172M, manufactured in 1974, with a total airframe time of 4,268 hours and 10 minutes. Its last inspection occurred on 17 November 2010, after which it flew eight hours and completed 17 landings. The engine was a Lycoming O-320-E2D, serial number L-36471-27A, and the propeller was a McCauley IC 160 CTM 7553, serial number 72222S. No pre-existing limitations or reported anomalies were noted. The operator's manual indicates that a normal landing with full flaps at sea level and recommended speeds requires a short ground roll; however, the manual provides limited correction factors for deviations.
Environmental Conditions
Weather at the time was clear with good visibility. Wind was from 080° at 15 knots (28 km/h), as recorded at nearby Sintra Air Base. Runway 35 is oriented at 350° magnetic; with a magnetic declination of 4°W, the wind had a slight tailwind component of approximately 4 knots.
Human Factors
Two Austrian male pilots were on board, each holding a Private Pilot License (Aeroplanes) issued by Austro Control GmbH under JAR-FCL. The pilot-in-command was 28 years old (license issued 22 March 2002, with ratings for RTE and SEP; last medical 21 September 2006, no restrictions). The second pilot was 25 years old (license issued 25 September 2007, with ratings RTE, SEP, MEP; last medical 25 May 2007, restriction VDL). Both were regular renters from the operator, alternating flight duties. They were familiar with the aerodrome and had briefed on the potential for wind shear. No factors indicated reduced physical or mental capacity.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left wing tip and strut, propeller dome and blades, left main landing gear, nose gear and steering system, forward fuselage, and engine mount. Both occupants exited unaided and required no medical attention. No other damage occurred.
Conclusions
The incident was caused by the pilot's decision to choose the aiming point too far beyond the normal position, especially in a landing with intermediate flap selection and speed above the recommended value, with a tailwind component at the moment of landing.