What happened
On 23 June 1999, an Antonov AN-2T, registration LY-ASA, was performing a private flight at Porthcurno Airstrip in Cornwall. During the landing phase, the pilot opted to land into a surface wind of 280°/6 to 8 kt. The landing area consisted of an open field with moist grass and a terrain profile that rose toward a crest before sloping downwards.
While the initial touchdown was described as normal, the aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently on the grass surface. Consequently, the aircraft continued along the field until it struck a perimeter hedge and a dry stone wall. The impact resulted in damage to the landing gear, both wings, the propeller, and the engine cowlings. The pilot, who was wearing only a lap-only torso restraint, escaped the incident without any injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the conditions of the landing site and the aircraft's performance. The investigation established that the ground surface was composed of moist grass and featured a downward slope following a crest. The pilot provided information regarding the braking performance during the rollout.
Findings
- The primary factor in the excursion was the pilot's overestimation of the braking effectiveness available on the moist, downward-sloping grass surface.