What happened
The pilot reported that during the approach for landing, the aircraft was slightly high. Consequently, the aircraft touched down long on a runway surfaced with turf and gravel. The pilot assessed that there was sufficient remaining runway length to bring the aircraft to a stop and did not initiate a go-around. However, the pilot noted that braking effectiveness was poor due to the presence of dry grass and moss on the surface. As a result, the aircraft ran off the end of the runway at a speed under 20 knots. The Cessna continued down an embankment where it sustained damage to the nose and right main landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the physical evidence at the site and the pilot's account of the events. Examination revealed that the runway surface consisted of turf and gravel with significant moss growth, which contributed to reduced friction. The aircraft came to rest off the paved or prepared surface after traversing an embankment.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to the accident were the long touchdown point and the ineffective braking action caused by the wet, mossy runway conditions. The decision not to go-around despite a high approach resulted in the loss of directional control and subsequent off-airport impact. 3 fatal injuries were reported among those involved, while others were not injured. The damage was limited to the forward fuselage and right main gear assembly.
Safety message
Pilots should consider initiating a go-around if an approach is not stabilized or if touchdown occurs beyond the optimal zone, especially on runways with poor surface conditions such as turf, gravel, or moss that may significantly reduce braking effectiveness.