What happened
On October 27, 2024, a privately owned Cessna 172P, registration JA4098, was performing a landing at the Semine Operation Site in Kurihara City, Miyagi Prefecture. The flight had originated from Honda Airport in Saitama Prefecture. During the approach to Runway 15, the aircraft initially touched down near the intended aiming point but experienced a significant float due to excessive speed.
A second touchdown occurred approximately 210 meters from the runway threshold, leaving only 270 meters of runway remaining. Although the pilot applied the brakes, the aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently. The aircraft overran the end of the 480-meter asphalt runway, descending a steep, 40-degree slope covered in vegetation. The aircraft struck trees and shrubs, eventually rolling forward and coming to a stop in an inverted position. While the aircraft sustained significant structural damage, including a broken nose gear mount and deformed wings, the pilot and passenger escaped without injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's flight performance, meteorological data, and video footage of the landing. Analysis of the video, conducted in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), confirmed that the aircraft's speed at the runway threshold was between 80 and 95 knots, significantly higher than the recommended short-field landing speed of 61 knots.
The investigation also reviewed the runway conditions, noting a 1% downward gradient and the presence of sand patches. Physical evidence from tire marks confirmed that the braking system was functioning normally throughout the ground roll. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's stall warning system, which should activate at 48 knots, did not trigger, further indicating that the aircraft maintained high lift due to excessive speed.
Findings
- The primary cause of the overrun was that the approach speed was too high, which prevented the aircraft from stopping within the available runway length.
- The high speed caused the aircraft to float after the initial touchdown, resulting in a second touchdown much further down the runway.
- The aircraft's landing distance requirements were nearly equal to the available runway, leaving a very narrow margin for error.
- The 1% downward slope of the runway and the presence of sand patches may have contributed to the difficulty in decelerating, though their exact influence remains unquantified.