Summary
On Saturday, May 4, 2019, at approximately 10:08 JST, a Piper PA-46-350P (registration JA121C) overran Runway 21 at Oshima Airport, Japan. The aircraft was disabled and unable to taxi. The five occupants, including the captain and four passengers, exited the aircraft without injuries. The aircraft sustained minor damage, and ground facilities were damaged.
Flight History
The flight departed Yao Airport at 08:52 JST under visual flight rules for a leisure flight to Oshima Airport. Before departure, the captain obtained weather information and loaded fuel for approximately four hours. During the flight, cloud cover prevented sighting the runway from altitude. After descending to about 900 ft, the north side of the runway became visible. The captain decided to land on Runway 21, despite being informed by the Oshima Airport Information Officer that the wind (070° at 7 kt) would be a tailwind. The captain judged the 1,800 m runway length sufficient based on experience. During approach, a landing gear warning sounded; the captain extended the gear and received a reminder from the Information Officer. The approach speed was 110 KIAS, compared to the aircraft manual's 80–85 KIAS. Flaps were set to 20° instead of full 36° due to insufficient time. The aircraft touched down beyond the third touchdown zone marking. The captain applied normal braking, then maximum braking as the aircraft neared the opposite threshold, but the aircraft overran Runway 21, crossed uneven ground, and came to a stop.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft, a Piper PA-46-350P, serial number 4636356, was manufactured July 15, 2004. Its total flight time was 1,510 hours; time since last periodic inspection was 14 hours 25 minutes. Weight and balance were within allowable limits. The captain, aged 72, held a private pilot certificate and a type rating for single-engine land aircraft. His total flight time was 1,252 hours 34 minutes, with 780 hours on type. His medical certificate was valid until March 31, 2020.
Meteorological Conditions
The 10:00 JST weather report at Oshima Airport indicated wind from 050° at 9 kt, visibility 10 km or more, with scattered cloud base at 900 ft and broken cloud base at 1,100 ft. Temperature was 19°C, dew point 17°C, and altimeter setting 30.06 inHg.
Damage
The aircraft suffered impact damage to the right main wing leading edge, propeller scratch marks, a dent in the right forward fuselage outer skin, and damage to the nose gear actuator and door. No abnormalities were found in the brake system. Ground facilities damaged included a barbed wire fence, one overrun area edge light, and three simple approach lighting system lights.
Analysis
The Japan Transport Safety Board noted that the captain recognized Runway 03 as the active runway but opted for Runway 21 after sighting the north side. The captain was informed that landing on Runway 21 would be with a tailwind but did not change his decision. According to the flight manual, landing with a tailwind exceeding 5 kt is not assumed; the reported wind was 7 kt. The approach speed was higher than recommended, and full flaps were not used. The aircraft overran despite brake application.