What happened
During the arrival phase of flight, the pilot received air traffic control vectors for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach. However, he elected to execute a localizer-only approach instead. At the outer marker, the aircraft was approximately 200 feet above the minimum altitude and flying above the standard approach speed. The pilot reported reducing airspeed during the descent and visually acquired the runway environment approximately one and a half miles out.
According to the pilot's account, he touched down about one-third of the way down the runway. However, other witnesses reported that the aircraft touched down at or beyond the midpoint of the runway. The wind conditions were calm, and the runway surface was wet. After touchdown, the pilot applied brakes but reported that the aircraft felt as if it was sliding on ice. As he approached the end of the runway, he attempted to steer to the left to avoid a localizer antenna. The aircraft struck the left portion of the antenna.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight path and witness statements regarding the landing location. Discrepancies were noted between the pilot's claim of a one-third touchdown point and witness reports placing it at or beyond the midpoint. The wet runway conditions and reported lack of braking effectiveness were key factors in the overrun.
Findings
Contributing factors included the late touchdown, reduced braking efficiency on the wet surface, and the decision to continue the approach despite being above minimum altitude and speed at the outer marker. The pilot's attempt to steer away from the antenna resulted in the collision.