What happened
On 3 April 2011, a CAP 10B, registration G-BLVK, was performing a private flight at a private airstrip in St Mellion, Cornwall. The pilot intended to land on a 470 m grass runway. At the time of the arrival, the area was experiencing rain showers, which had left the grass surface of the strip wet.
During the approach, the pilot flew at a speed slightly higher than usual to account for the wet conditions and potential windshear. Upon reaching the runway, the aircraft floated during the flare and did not make contact with the ground until approximately 150 m into the strip. Due to the remaining distance being insufficient, the aircraft could not be brought to a halt before colliding with a fence post at the end of the runway. The impact caused damage to the right wing, though no fire occurred and the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's performance capabilities and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. It was noted that the pilot was experienced, with 2,900 total flying hours, and was familiar with short-field landing techniques. The investigation reviewed the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for the CAP 10B, which specifies a declared landing roll of 360 m. Additionally, the investigation referenced CAA Safety Sense Leaflet No 7, which warns that very short, wet grass strips can increase the required ground roll distance by as much as 60%.
Findings
- The aircraft touched down much further down the runway than intended due to floating.
- The wet grass surface contributed to the difficulty in stopping the aircraft.
- The pilot's decision to land despite the wet surface and the resulting long touchdown led to the overrun.
- The pilot later reflected that waiting for the rain showers to pass would have allowed for a safer landing position.