What happened
On March 6, 2022, at approximately 15:30 local time, a STORM 300S, registration EC-ZTF, was performing a private VFR flight from Beas del Segura to Casarrubios del Monte. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger.
During the approach to runway 26, the pilot performed a long final and touched down approximately halfway down the runway at a speed of about 100 km/h, utilizing 15 degrees of flaps. Upon touchdown, the pilot applied the brakes forcefully. While the aircraft initially began to decelerate, the brakes subsequently ceased to respond effectively. Despite the pilot's attempts to regain braking action by pumping the pedals and even requesting the passenger to assist with the passenger-side brakes, the aircraft could not be stopped within the remaining runway length. The aircraft exited the end of the runway and struck a small mound in the adjacent terrain.
There were no injuries to the two occupants. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the nose gear and the propeller.
The investigation
The CIAIAC examined the braking system, the landing performance, and the maintenance history of the aircraft. Investigators found that the hydraulic system was functioning correctly, with adequate fluid levels and no leaks. However, inspection of the brake pads revealed they were excessively thin and heavily glazed (burnt).
Maintenance records showed that the brake pads had been resurfaced by a non-aviation company because original replacements were unavailable. This resurfacing process, combined with the heavy braking application, likely contributed to the overheating of the pads. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the pilot's touchdown point was in the second third of the runway, leaving insufficient distance to stop given the high approach speed and the state of the brakes.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an incorrect landing maneuver and a touchdown point that left insufficient runway remaining to stop the aircraft.
- The brake pads were in a degraded state, being too thin and heavily glazed due to previous resurfacing and heavy use.
- The heavy application of brakes during the landing likely caused rapid overheating of the brake components.
- The pilot's touchdown occurred in the second third of the runway, whereas standard practice suggests landing in the first third.
Safety action
- REC 48/22: It is recommended that the manager of the Casarrubios del Monte aerodrome take the necessary steps to update the information in the ENAIRE VFR Guide, specifically regarding runway distances and the displacement of the runway 08 threshold, to resolve discrepancies between published data and official AESA records.