What happened
During the final approach to land, the GA8-TC was flying significantly above the intended flight path, with the aim point positioned only one third down the runway. The pilot attempted to correct the profile by lowering the nose but failed to reduce power to idle, causing the airspeed to increase to approximately 95 kt. This was roughly 24 kt above the required approach speed of 70–71 kt.
Although the aircraft was not on the correct flight path, the pilot did not initiate a go-around, which was required by the operator's procedures. The aircraft floated significantly due to the high speed and the runway downslope, eventually touching down with less than one third of the runway remaining. While enough distance existed to stop the aircraft using maximum braking, the aircraft failed to decelerate effectively and subsequently departed the end of the runway.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's training, the operator's oversight, and the aircraft's configuration. It was noted that the pilot's training was not fully completed, leaving several abnormal and emergency procedures unassessed prior to unsupervised operations. Furthermore, the investigation found that the operator's training and supervision processes failed to identify a pattern of the pilot using an incorrect, excessive approach speed.
Additional safety concerns were identified regarding the operator's weight and balance system, which utilized an incorrect empty weight moment arm. It was also noted that passengers were not weighed according to established procedures, and the decision height for assessing stabilized approach criteria was set too low.
Findings
- The approach was performed above the intended profile with an excessive airspeed.
- The pilot operated under an incorrect understanding of the required approach speed.
- A required go-around was not performed despite the aircraft being off-profile.
- The pilot failed to apply sufficient braking to prevent the runway excursion.
- Training and checking flights failed to detect the pilot's routine use of incorrect approach speeds.
- The operator's weight and balance calculations were inaccurate due to an incorrect moment arm.