What happened
The pilot reported that he landed long on a 2500-foot grass strip which was wet due to heavy dew. During the approach, he had an airspeed of 75 to 80 knots with 30 degrees of flaps. Subsequently, the aircraft slid off the departure end and struck a pecan tree. The recommended final approach speed with 40 degrees of flaps was 60 knots. The pilot reported that he should have used all of the strip for the landing.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the overrun and impact. The pilot's report indicated that the airspeed during the final approach was significantly higher than the recommended speed for the configuration used. The wet conditions on the grass strip likely contributed to reduced braking effectiveness, exacerbating the long landing distance required.
Findings
Contributing factors included the pilot's decision to land with excessive airspeed and insufficient flap extension for the conditions. The use of only 30 degrees of flaps instead of the recommended 40 degrees resulted in a higher approach speed than necessary. Additionally, the wet surface of the grass strip reduced friction, making it difficult to stop within the available distance. The pilot acknowledged that he should have utilized the full length of the runway for the landing.
Safety message
Pilots are reminded to adhere to recommended approach speeds and flap settings for the specific aircraft type and conditions. Ensuring adequate airspeed control and utilizing all available runway length are critical for safe landings, especially on short or wet grass strips.