What happened
On 19 December 2004, a Cessna 150, registration EI-COP, was conducting a private pleasure flight with one passenger. The flight originated from Abbeyshrule Airfield and was heading toward a private airfield located near Miltown Pass, Co. Westmeath. Upon arrival, the pilot attempted to land on a West/East oriented grass runway.
During the landing sequence, the aircraft touched down approximately 180 metres into the 430-metre runway. Realizing the aircraft had landed too far down the strip to stop safely without further power, the pilot attempted to initiate a go-around but determined it was not possible in time. The pilot then applied the brakes. Due to the wet and soft condition of the grass surface, the braking was ineffective, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and into a deep, wide boundary stream. While the aircraft sustained damage beyond economic repair and the engine suffered a shock load, there were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The AAIU investigation examined the runway conditions and the sequence of the landing. Investigators noted that while heavy rain had moved through the region the previous night, the day of the accident featured clear weather with a light easterly wind. The investigation confirmed that the grass runway surfaces were wet and soft in several areas, with standing water present between the airfield's intersecting runways. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's safety equipment, noting that recently installed four-point harnesses were present for both occupants.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the ineffective braking action caused by the wet and soft state of the grass runway.
- The aircraft touched down significantly down the runway, leaving insufficient distance for a safe stop on the degraded surface.
- The installation of new four-point harnesses likely prevented head injuries during the impact with the stream boundary.