Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during a standard approach, he flew at an approach speed of 105 to 110 knots with 35 degrees of flaps. The airplane touched down 500 to 700 feet from the approach end of the runway, and braking began almost immediately. Braking action was ineffective, and when the pilot increased brake application, there was no improvement. The airplane drifted to the right, departed the runway environment, and struck a hangar and a fuel truck, resulting in substantial damage.
Pilot Statement
In a telephone interview, the pilot stated that the braking action was poor due to "seal coating" of the runway. According to the airplane's owner's manual, the recommended approach speed was 102 mph (88 knots), which is lower than the speed used by the pilot.
Runway Condition
An FAA inspector described the runway surface as having the consistency of "putty." A "coal-tar sealer/rejuvinator" had been applied to the runway by Brewercote in October 2003. According to specifications provided by the Utah Division of Aeronautics, the coal-tar sealant is intended to seal the pavement from oxidation and rejuvenate the asphalt binder. It is composed of a minimum of 35 percent coal-tar pitch conforming to ASTM D-490, RT-12, Standard Specification for Road Tar.
Skid Test Results
On June 18, 2004, a skid test was conducted on runway 03/21. The test revealed skid values ranging from 2.4 to 10.9, with an average value of 6.3. The calculated MU-meter frictional values ranged from .035 to .160, with an average of .093. According to the Operations Friction Correlation Chart, this friction rating is classified as poor.
Damage
The collision with the hangar and fuel truck caused substantial damage to the airplane. The extent of damage to the hangar and fuel truck was not specified.