What happened
The flight was conducting a non-directional beacon (NDB) approach to the airport, targeting runway 18. During the landing phase, the aircraft touched down beyond the midpoint of the runway. The pilot reported that during the initial attempt to apply brakes, before the flaps were retracted, the aircraft ballooned upward and subsequently departed the paved surface. Upon leaving the runway environment, the nose gear impacted a runway light fixture.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed damage consistent with the described departure from the runway. The primary mechanical impact involved the nose landing gear assembly striking a ground-based lighting unit located adjacent to the runway edge.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates that the landing distance available was insufficient for the touchdown point, compounded by aerodynamic lift generated during braking before flap retraction. This combination led to the loss of directional control and subsequent departure from the runway surface.