What happened
On 10 October 2000, a Boeing 767-304, registration G-OBYA, was performing a scheduled public transport flight from Manchester to Abu Dhabi via London Gatwick. During the approach to Runway 26L, the crew noted work in progress (WIP) near the runway threshold. Due to the potential impact of this construction on later runway exits, the commander decided to utilize an earlier exit via the second rapid exit turn-off (RET) 'F'.
Upon landing, the aircraft's deceleration was insufficient to meet the commander's target speed for the intended turn. Consequently, the crew increased the autobrake level to level 4. As the aircraft performed a right-hand turn using nose wheel steering, it departed the paved surface of the taxiway. The aircraft came to a halt with its left main landing gear embedded in soft grass, approximately 10 metres from the edge of the RET 'F'. There were no fatalities and no injuries among the 11 crew members or 154 passengers, though the aircraft sustained damage to two main wheel tyres, the left engine fan blades, and the left engine thrust reverser.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined flight recorder data, which showed the aircraft touched down 100 metres beyond the touchdown zone. The recorders confirmed that the crew applied increased braking and reverse thrust during the rollout. The investigation focused on the visibility of the taxiway edges and the presence of construction activity.
Investigators found that the area between the runway and the RET had been sprayed with black bitumen, which, under the prevailing light rain and damp conditions, closely resembled a paved surface. Furthermore, the crew was unaware of a new RET under construction just beyond the 'F' exit, as this information was not included in the relevant NOTAMs or ATIS. The investigation also noted that bright floodlights from the nearby construction site created reflections on the wet runway and puddles, making it difficult for the pilot to distinguish between the paved taxiway and the adjacent grass.