Piper PA-60 Runway Overrun at Coburg-Brandensteinsebene

Incident Overview and Aircraft Identification On 30 October 2000, a Piper Aircraft Corporation PA-60602P was destroyed in a runway overrun at Coburg-Brandensteinsebene (EDQC). The aircraft was on a private flight from Koblenz to Poprad/Tatry in the Slovak Republic. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and minor crop damage was reported. ## Flight Sequence and Landing Shortly after leaving the Frankfurt TMA, the pilot observed an unusually fluctuating fuel gauge that could not be clearly interpreted in turbulent air. The pilot then decided to make a precautionary landing at Coburg-Brandensteinsebene. At 14:56 local time, with a wind of 210°/20 kt, the aircraft landed on runway 30. The pilot was unable to stop the aircraft within the runway. It continued at considerable speed past the runway end, crossed a lower fence and the access road, and came to rest in bushes on an adjacent sloping hillside. The right wing was separated, and leaking fuel caught fire. The pilot escaped through the right-side emergency exit. ## Investigation Findings A BFU investigator examined the site. The left main-wheel brake mark showed the aircraft touched down about 320–330 m down the runway and initially drifted slightly left toward the half-runway marking at 430 m. A 350 m gap in the mark was followed by its continuation near the centerline to the runway end. No brake marks were found from the right wheel. The pilot stated that, due to the wind, he selected an approach speed of 135 kt and 20° flap. He said the PA-60 touched down normally and that he braked, but eased off the brakes to correct the rolling direction in the strong crosswind. He then braked again but felt it had no effect. Radar data ended at 14:53:46.6 at FL30, when the aircraft was about 2.5 NM from the airfield, so approach or touchdown speed could not be derived from the radar. The flight manual indicated that landings with the PA-60-206P had been demonstrated with a maximum crosswind of 15 kt; the left crosswind component in this case was 20 kt. An inspection of the wheel braking system found no defect that could have contributed to a braking malfunction. ## Damage and Performance Estimates In addition to impact and fire damage to the right wing, damage was found on the left wing, both propellers, the main and nose gear, and dents to the nose and lower fuselage. Assuming a standard approach and touchdown, the flight manual indicated that for the current weight of 2,535 kg, an approach speed of 92–108 kt depending on flap setting (40–0°) would require a landing distance of 630–740 m. At an approach speed of 135 kt, a possible touchdown speed of 122 kt would alone require a landing roll of 710 m. Considering the established touchdown point, the PA-60 would have come to a stop at about 1,030–1,040 m. The available landing distance at EDQC was 860 m, plus a 30 m safety strip for takeoffs at the end of each runway.