What happened
On March 24, 2010, a Cessna Citation 525A was performing a visual approach to runway 22 at Kassel-Calden airport. The flight, which originated from Stuttgart, was operating in a left-hand pattern. As the aircraft transitioned from the base leg to the final approach, it maintained a ground speed of approximately 210 knots, later reducing to 190 knots during the short final segment.
Upon crossing the runway threshold, the aircraft was traveling at an indicated airspeed of approximately 130 knots, with the landing flaps set only to the 15-degree position. The aircraft touched down approximately 572 meters behind the threshold. Despite the crew applying wheel brakes, the aircraft could not decelerate sufficiently within the remaining runway length. Realizing the aircraft would overshoot the pavement, the crew steered the aircraft to the left to avoid striking runway lighting and the localizer antenna. The aircraft eventually came to a stop in a grassy area approximately 53 meters beyond the end of the runway. There were no fatalities and no injuries to the two crew members or the single passenger on board.
The investigation
The BFU investigation focused on the flight parameters, the aircraft configuration, and the crew's adherence to established procedures. Investigators analyzed radar data, which confirmed that the aircraft maintained high ground speeds throughout the approach, exceeding the limits specified in the operator's manual. The investigation also examined the aircraft's flap settings and the effectiveness of the landing checklist. While the aircraft was found to be airworthy and the crew was fully qualified, the investigation noted discrepancies between the different versions of the final checklist available in the cockpit and the operator's manual.
Findings
- The approach was not stabilized due to excessive airspeed that did not comply with the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) or the operator's manual.
- The aircraft was not in the proper landing configuration, as the flaps were not extended to the required 35-degree position.
- The touchdown occurred too far down the runway, leaving insufficient distance for braking.
- The crew failed to initiate a go-around maneuver despite the unstable approach conditions.
- The decision to steer the aircraft off the runway prevented significant damage to airport infrastructure.