Incident Overview
An aircraft overran the end of the runway after landing on runway 36, according to an investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). The pilot reported checking the wind while overflying the runway to join the circuit. However, Bureau of Meteorology observations indicated a southerly wind at the time of landing, suggesting a tailwind component that may have increased ground speed.
Wind Direction Uncertainty
The ATSB was unable to clarify whether the pilot misread the windsock or if the wind direction momentarily changed when the aircraft joined the circuit and then returned to a southerly direction before touchdown. The aircraft most likely landed with a tailwind component, resulting in a faster ground speed at touchdown, which contributed to the overrun.
Landing Position and Stopping Distance
The pilot’s decision to land the aircraft adjacent to the taxiway reduced the available stopping distance. The ATSB noted that using the full runway strip would probably have allowed the pilot to stop the aircraft on the runway.
Investigation Findings
The investigation focused on the combination of possible tailwind and the choice of landing position. No other factors, such as aircraft performance or mechanical issues, were mentioned in the source. The ATSB did not assign a probable cause but highlighted these two elements as likely contributing to the overrun.