What happened
On 3 July 2002, a private flight was being conducted from Lashenden (Headcorn) Aerodrome to a landing at an airstrip located at Frid Farm, Kent. The aircraft, an Avions Pierre Robin CEA DR400/140B, registration G-BFJZ, was operated by a pilot with significant flying experience. Prior to the flight, the pilot had been advised that Runway 14, a grass strip measuring 505 metres with an upward slope, would be the preferred option given the calm wind conditions.
During the approach, the pilot observed that the windsock indicated a slight tailwind. While the touchdown itself was described as normal, the pilot did not monitor the specific touchdown speed. The aircraft landed near the field boundary, and although braking was applied, the aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently. Consequently, the aircraft overran the end of the runway and entered a wheat field, resulting in a collapsed nose landing gear and damage to the propeller and lower engine cowling. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board.
The investigation
Investigators examined the conditions of the landing strip and the environmental factors present at the time of the accident. The runway surface consisted of short grass that had become wet following recent heavy rainfall. The investigation also considered the impact of the wind conditions noted by the pilot during the final approach. Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the performance implications of landing on such surfaces, noting that wet grass can significantly extend the required ground roll distance.