High-speed landing leads to runway excursion at Kassel-Calden

Casualties unknown • Kassel, DE

An Antonov An-26B failed to stop on the runway at Kassel-Calden after landing at significantly higher speeds than prescribed, resulting in the aircraft overrunning the asphalt.

What happened

On October 4, 2007, an Antonow An-26B operated by a Hungarian airline was performing a cargo flight from Stuttgart to Kassel-Calden. The crew, consisting of a pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight engineer, and two specialists, was scheduled to pick up cargo for transport to Liverpool.

During the approach to runway 22, the aircraft maintained a significantly higher speed than recommended. Radar data and cockpit voice recordings indicated that while the aircraft was descending, the speed remained well above the limits specified in the flight manual. The aircraft touched down approximately 400 meters past the runway threshold.

The pilot initially attempted to decelerate using only the wheel brakes, delaying the use of reverse thrust until approximately 250 meters before the end of the runway. Due to the high approach speed and the delayed application of reverse thrust, the aircraft could not stop within the remaining pavement. The aircraft overran the runway, traveling onto the grass area where it struck a light pole base and eventually came to a halt south of the runway 04 threshold. There were no fatalities and no damage to the aircraft, though the runway lighting was damaged.

The investigation

The BFU examined radar data, cockpit voice recordings (CVR), and the aircraft's flight manual. The investigation also included interviews with the crew and an analysis of the runway conditions and meteorological reports. The investigators compared the actual approach speed and touchdown point against the manufacturer's specifications for an aircraft of that weight.

Findings

  • The aircraft approached and landed at a significantly higher speed than the 192 km/h prescribed in the flight manual for its weight.
  • The touchdown occurred much further down the runway than ideal, reducing the available stopping distance.
  • The crew did not use reverse thrust immediately upon landing, relying solely on wheel brakes until the end of the runway.
  • The curvature of the runway prevented the pilot from seeing the runway end until it was too late to prevent the excursion.

Probable cause

The runway excursion was caused by a combination of an excessive approach speed, a late touchdown point, and the failure to implement consistent deceleration techniques, specifically the delayed use of reverse thrust.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-10-04 Kyiv State Aviation Plant Antonow An-26B accident near Kassel, DE?

An Antonov An-26B failed to stop on the runway at Kassel-Calden after landing at significantly higher speeds than prescribed, resulting in the aircraft overrunning the asphalt.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-10-04 involved a Kyiv State Aviation Plant Antonow An-26B, at Kassel, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The runway excursion was caused by a combination of an excessive approach speed, a late touchdown point, and the failure to implement consistent deceleration techniques, specifically the delayed use of reverse thrust.

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