What happened
On May 30, 2018, a Cessna 172 H, registration OY-EGP, was performing a local pleasure flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) when it overran a private grass airstrip near Årslev, Denmark. During the final approach to runway 20, the pilot encountered moderate turbulence and maintained an approach speed of approximately 65 to 70 knots. The pilot noted a light easterly wind at the time of the accident.
The aircraft touched down approximately one-third of the way down the grass runway. Following the touchdown, the pilot was unable to decelerate the aircraft sufficiently to remain within the confines of the strip. Consequently, the aircraft exited the end of the runway, where the right wing collided with a fence. The runway, which measured roughly 250 meters in length and 30 meters in width, consisted of dry, short-cut grass.
The investigation
The investigation was initiated following a report submitted by the pilot. The Danish Accident Investigation Board (Havarikommissionen) reviewed the circumstances surrounding the landing and the physical conditions of the airfield. The investigation established that the aircraft sustained substantial structural damage to the right wing due to the impact with the perimeter fencing. Based on the initial safety investigation, the Board determined that no further formal investigation was required.