What happened
On April 2, 1998, a Dassault Falcon 20 operating a cargo flight from Pamplona, Spain, was on approach to Braunschweig Airport (EDVE) under IFR conditions. The aircraft was cleared for the LLZ-DME approach to runway 26. As the crew contacted the tower for landing, they were provided with the QNH of 1002 hPa and wind information of 140°/2 kt. Due to twilight and hazy visibility, the PAPI lights were active.
At approximately 16:55 UTC, the aircraft touched down on runway 26, roughly 280–330 meters beyond the threshold. While initial braking appeared normal, the aircraft could not decelerate sufficiently. In an attempt to vacate the runway via taxiway C, the aircraft drifted left and overran the end of the runway, coming to a stop approximately 20 meters into the soft ground of the adjacent safety strip. There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The BFU investigation, conducted in cooperation with the Spanish authorities, examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the runway conditions, and the flight parameters. Because the flight recorder was inoperable, the approach profile was reconstructed using radar data from the Deister radar station. This data revealed that the approach speed fluctuated between 140 and 155 kt CAS, significantly higher than the required reference speed (vREF) of 127 kt CAS for the aircraft's landing weight of 9,860 kg.
Investigators also examined the runway surface. Although recent METAR reports did not indicate active precipitation, earlier observations from 13:50 UTC and 14:50 UTC had noted rain and light drizzle. Consequently, the runway remained damp at the time of landing. Inspections of the braking system by both the operator and a maintenance facility in Spain found no technical defects, though one brake was noted as being worn and required replacement. No evidence of hydroplaning was found on the tires.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the failure to abort the landing despite an excessive approach speed.
- The touchdown point was significantly late, occurring well beyond the PAPI lights, which increased the required landing distance.
- The damp runway surface reduced the effective braking performance.
- The crew did not specifically request updated weather information regarding the runway condition, despite knowing that rain had occurred in the area earlier that day.
- The lack of a functional flight recorder prevented a detailed analysis of the descent profile.
- Factors such as established routines and the pressure to complete the transport mission may have influenced the decision to continue the approach.