Incident Overview
On 10 September 2018, a Cessna 206H aircraft experienced a runway excursion during landing at the Łuków-Gręzówka airstrip. The pilot, a commercial pilot license holder, was conducting an approach to runway 02 when the flap extension system malfunctioned. The flaps remained in the retracted (UP) position despite multiple attempts to deploy them.
Approach and Landing
After verifying circuit breakers and attempting several unsuccessful flap extensions, the pilot elected to land with the flaps retracted. According to the aircraft flight manual, the approach speed for such a configuration was 75–85 knots. The pilot landed at a higher than normal approach speed due to the lack of flaps.
Runway Overrun
Upon touchdown, the pilot initiated braking, but the aircraft could not stop before the runway end. The landing distance was increased by the higher approach speed, reduced tire grip from recent grass irrigation, and a crosswind blowing at 90 degrees to the landing direction. The airstrip lacked radio communication, so the pilot had no prior warning of the wet runway condition. The aircraft struck the perimeter fence, breaching it, and came to rest several meters beyond the airstrip boundary.
Occupants and Damage
The two persons on board—the pilot and a passenger—sustained no injuries. The aircraft and the fence were damaged.
Weather Conditions
The investigation noted that weather conditions, including the crosswind and the irrigation-induced slipperiness, were factors in the incident.
Probable Cause
The reported probable cause was a crosswind from 90 degrees to the landing runway and slipperiness of the runway due to irrigation activities, which lengthened the landing distance and resulted in the aircraft overrunning the fence.