What happened
On 17 April 2022, a Grob G11COB, registration G-BYDB, was conducting a private cross-country flight from Fowlmere Airfield to Clacton Airfield in Essex. Upon arriving at Clacton, the pilot observed calm wind conditions and prepared to land on Runway 18. During the final approach, the pilot determined the aircraft was too high and responded by increasing the rate of descent. This maneuver likely resulted in an increased airspeed at the point of touchdown.
Although the aircraft touched down just before a designated footpath, the pilot was unable to stop the aircraft within the remaining runway distance. Despite the application of maximum braking, the Grob G115B overran the runway and struck the airfield's boundary hedge. The pilot, who sustained no injuries, was able to exit the aircraft unassisted. The aircraft sustained damage to the engine due to shock loading and damage to the wing's leading edge.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the circumstances leading to the overrun and the mechanical state of the aircraft. A technical inspection confirmed that the braking system was fully functional and had performed normally during a pre-takeoff test at Fowlmere. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's previous experience at Clacton, noting that while the pilot had previously landed at the airfield in a different aircraft type, the specific performance characteristics of the Grob G115B had not been formally verified for this landing.
Findings
- The pilot relied on assumptions derived from previous experience in a different aircraft type rather than consulting the Pilot's Operating Handbook for the Grob G115B.
- The pilot did not verify if the 505 m runway length was sufficient for the specific aircraft and conditions.
- The decision to increase the rate of descent to compensate for a high approach led to an increased touchdown speed.
- The pilot failed to execute a go-around despite recognizing the high approach and the short available landing distance.