Summary
On 7 August 2003, a SOCATA TB-200 aircraft, registration EC-GVQ, operated by a private pilot on a pleasure flight, overran the runway at Casas de los Pinos Aerodrome (Cuenca) during the landing roll. The aircraft came to rest approximately 30 meters beyond the paved surface of Runway 12's threshold. Both occupants were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Flight Details
The flight departed from Cuatro Vientos Airport with a planned route passing near several towns. The aircraft was executing a landing on Runway 30 at Casas de los Pinos when it exited the runway end. The runway is asphalt, approximately 700 meters in length, at an elevation of 722 meters.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 44, held a private pilot license first issued on 22 January 1999 and valid until 19 March 2006. He had a total of 100 flight hours, of which 52 hours were on the type. He had passed the required medical examinations. The pilot stated that this was his second time operating at that aerodrome.
Aircraft Information
The SOCATA TB-200 was equipped with a Lycoming IO-360-A1B6 engine and a fixed-pitch propeller. The aircraft had an airworthiness certificate renewed on 31 July 2003, valid until 31 July 2004. Eleven hours had elapsed since the 2,000-hour inspection, which included engine replacement.
Weather
At the time of the accident, weather conditions at the aerodrome were CAVOK in terms of visibility and cloud ceiling. Surface winds were light from the east across the peninsula. A METAR from Albacete Air Base (50 km away) at 10:00 UTC reported wind from 120° at 4 knots. Due to the general weather situation and terrain, winds at the aerodrome were considered similar.
Accident Sequence
The pilot aborted an initial approach due to excessive speed. On the second approach, he performed a left downwind leg for Runway 30 and landed on the runway centerline. After touchdown, he applied the brakes but felt they were ineffective. Realizing he would likely overrun, he assessed the possibility of a go-around but determined insufficient speed and runway remained. The aircraft departed the runway at Runway 12's threshold and came to rest after traveling about 30 meters on gently sloping terrain, slightly left of the runway centerline. The aircraft remained structurally intact except for the nose gear leg, which broke but remained attached. No fire occurred. The occupants exited without difficulty.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident inspection revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure, including no anomalies with the brake system. Users who flew the aircraft in the days preceding the accident reported no brake issues. The pilot's statement indicated reduced braking effectiveness during the landing. The investigation noted that the pilot had relatively low flight experience, was unfamiliar with the airfield, and had aborted an approach for high speed, suggesting touchdown speed may have been higher than anticipated. Weather data indicated possible light tailwind (3-4 knots) on landing, which could have contributed to a longer landing and slightly higher ground speed.
Probable Cause
The investigation concluded that the most probable cause of the accident was a long landing combined, possibly, with a slightly high landing speed.