What happened
During a cross-country flight, the pilot decided to make an unscheduled stop at an unfamiliar airport to check en route weather conditions. Upon arrival, the pilot circled the airfield and observed what he believed was a favorable wind for landing on Runway 31. However, subsequent observations confirmed that the wind was actually calm. Attempts to contact the airport via UNICOM yielded no response.
The pilot proceeded with the approach to Runway 31, which presented several hazards unknown to him at the time. The runway featured a downslope and a displaced threshold of 280 feet. Crucially, the pilot was unaware that only 1550 feet of usable runway remained after the displacement. His sectional chart incorrectly indicated the total length as 1800 feet, leading to a significant miscalculation of available distance. Additionally, local practice favored Runway 13 to avoid the downslope on Runway 31, but this information was not available to the pilot.
The aircraft touched down near the middle of the runway. Shortly after touchdown, the pilot realized there might not be sufficient distance to stop safely. Faced with trees beyond the end of the runway, he chose to raise the flaps and apply hard braking rather than attempt a go-around. Despite these efforts, the aircraft continued past the end of the paved surface and collided with a ditch.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making process regarding the unscheduled stop and the landing site selection. Key findings included:
- Misinterpretation of wind conditions during the initial circuit.
- Failure to verify available runway length against current charts and physical indicators.
- Lack of communication with airport services due to no UNICOM response.
- Inadequate awareness of local operating procedures regarding runway selection.
Findings
Several factors contributed to the accident. The pilot's reliance on outdated or inaccurate sectional chart data led to an underestimation of the required landing distance. The combination of a downslope, displaced threshold, and limited remaining runway length created a high-risk environment that was not adequately assessed prior to touchdown. The decision to brake hard instead of go-around, while understandable given the terrain, resulted in a loss of control as the aircraft exited the runway.
Safety message
Pilots should always verify current airport information, including runway lengths and conditions, before landing at unfamiliar airports. Cross-referencing multiple sources, such as the Chart Supplement and live wind indicators, is essential for accurate decision-making. Awareness of local operating practices and potential hazards like displaced thresholds and downslopes can prevent similar incidents.