What happened
On June 30, 2013, at approximately 11:50 local time, a privately owned Piper PA-28-161, registration JA3919, experienced a runway overrun at Ryugasaki Airfield in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. The aircraft was conducting a familiarization flight with four occupants, including the captain and three passengers.
After completing two successful touch-and-go landings, the aircraft attempted a third final landing. During the approach, the pilot encountered a lift in the flight path, which prevented the use of full 40° flaps, resulting in the flaps being set at only 25°. As the aircraft approached the ground, it began to float, causing the touchdown point to occur much further down the runway than intended. Upon touchdown, the pilot applied the brakes gradually to ensure a smooth stop. However, the aircraft was unable to decelerate sufficiently and exited the paved surface, coming to a stop in a grass area approximately 11 meters beyond the runway end. There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight history, weather conditions, and aircraft performance. Investigators analyzed the pilot's approach technique, specifically the decision to maintain 25° flaps and the resulting touchdown location. Meteorological data from the nearby AMeDAS station was reviewed, showing a shift in wind direction toward the southwest, which likely introduced a tailwind component. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's flight manual regarding landing ground roll distances (LGRD) and the effectiveness of braking under various wind and flap configurations. A special inspection of the Piper PA-28-161 following the incident revealed no mechanical failures or anomalies.