Accident Overview
On 28 May 2023, at approximately 09:21 UTC, a Beechcraft 19A Musketeer Sport III, registration G-AWTV, was involved in an accident at Milltownpass Airstrip, Co. Westmeath, Ireland. The aircraft, operated under general aviation, was occupied solely by the pilot. The pilot sustained minor injuries and exited the aircraft unaided. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; there was no fire.
Flight History
The pilot had flown the aircraft from Wolverhampton/Halfpenny Green Airport (EGBO) in the UK to Abbeyshrule Aerodrome (EIAB) in Co. Longford, Ireland, earlier that day. After refuelling, the pilot departed EIAB for Milltownpass Airstrip, a flight of approximately 15 minutes. Upon arriving overhead the airstrip, the pilot flew three low-level circuits to Runway 24 to visually check for obstacles and assess wind direction. He then commenced a fourth circuit for landing.
Landing and Runway Excursion
The pilot reported that the approach felt correct. After touchdown, he applied brakes but the aircraft did not decelerate as expected. He applied additional brake pressure and, realizing insufficient runway remained, applied maximum brake pressure. The aircraft then veered to the right of the runway, and the right wing impacted a hedgerow. The aircraft continued rightward and came to rest in a shallow ditch beyond the runway end with a significant nose-down attitude. One propeller blade became fully embedded in the ditch wall, which consisted of raised peat bog. Ground tracks from the aircraft tyres were observed.
Pilot Actions and Conditions
The pilot, a 53-year-old holder of a UK-issued PPL with 395 hours total flying experience (14 hours on type), stated that prior to landing he extended flaps at 80 knots and crossed the boundary hedge at around 70 knots. He noted a drop in height at about 100 ft above ground, which he attributed to a thermal effect from the surrounding bog, and added engine power. The pilot touched down approximately 50 to 60 metres beyond the runway threshold. He estimated the runway length as 620 metres. Although wind conditions appeared to favour Runway 06, the pilot elected to land on Runway 24. He mentioned that the aircraft’s suspension provided a rough ride, and that his seat belt did not restrain him during the impact.
Investigation
The pilot notified the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) on the day following the accident. Three inspectors deployed to the site. The investigation collected factual information, including an interview with the pilot, who reported that he had marked a black dot on the airspeed indicator at his preferred approach speed (approximately 75 knots). The airstrip was unattended at the time of the accident.