What happened
On 10 February 2011, a Fairchild SA 227-BC Metro III, registration EC-ITP, was performing a scheduled cargo flight arriving at Cork Airport. The aircraft was on final approach to runway 25 and landed on the runway. Following touchdown, the aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently and continued along the runway, eventually exiting the paved surface. The excursion resulted in damage to the aircraft's landing gear and engine nacelle, but there were no injuries to the crew and no damage was sustained by airport infrastructure.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's deceleration performance and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators examined the runway surface, which was found to be wet due to recent rainfall. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's braking and thrust reverser systems, as well as the pilot's actions during the landing roll. Evidence showed that the aircraft's braking effectiveness was reduced due to the wet runway conditions and the specific configuration of the aircraft's braking system.
Findings
- The runway surface was wet at the time of the landing.
- The aircraft failed to stop within the available runway length.
- Reduced braking effectiveness was a primary factor in the inability to decelerate the aircraft.
- The aircraft's landing gear and engine nacelle sustained damage during the excursion.