What happened
On June 8, 2011, a Britten Norman BN-2B-26 Islander was performing a flight from Bremerhaven to Helgoland. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and six passengers. During the landing on runway 33 at approximately 11:13 local time, the pilot applied the brakes but reported that the initial braking effectiveness was lost due to aquaplaning. The pilot had observed standing water on the runway surface.
As a result of the loss of braking control, the aircraft drifted right of the centerline and overran the end of the runway. The aircraft breached the airport's perimeter wires, crossed a paved path, and came to a stop in unpaved terrain approximately 37 meters beyond the runway threshold. There were no injuries to the occupants, though the aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft, the runway conditions, and meteorological data. Investigators found that the aircraft's main landing gear had broken off from the left wing attachment, and there was significant damage to the left wing spar, flaps, aileron trim, and the propellers. The investigation also noted that the runway surface was covered in standing water. Witnesses reported that heavy rain had been falling during the flight and that the runway was heavily inundated due to prolonged, intense precipitation.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was aquaplaning caused by standing water on the runway.
- Heavy rainfall and intense rain showers led to significant water accumulation on the runway surface.
- The aircraft sustained heavy damage, including a broken left main landing gear and damage to the wing and propellers.