What happened
On 28 July 2000, a CEA DR400/2+2, registration G-BCXE, was performing solo training circuits at Lashenden (Headcorn) Aerodrome in Kent. The student pilot had been instructed to complete several circuits to consolidate recent training, with specific instructions to avoid visible rain showers.
During the first circuit, the aircraft passed through a light rain shower while on the base leg. On the subsequent approach to Runway 29, the aircraft was observed to be significantly high as it crossed the runway threshold. The pilot initiated the flare roughly halfway down the runway. The aircraft made contact with the ground on all three wheels, but with less than half of the available 796-metre landing distance remaining. At the time of touchdown, the grass surface had become wet. Despite the application of brakes, the aircraft overran the end of the runway and settled in a small ditch approximately 100 metres beyond the upwind threshold. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the student pilot. Investigators reviewed the meteorological conditions, which included winds between 240° and 310° at 5 to 8 kt and visibility exceeding 10 km, though occasional rain showers were present. The investigation also considered the pilot's training status and the condition of the runway surface, noting that while the grass was dry at takeoff, it had become wet by the time of the landing.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced damage to the landing gear, propeller, and left wing.
- The pilot's approach was notably high at the threshold.
- The long touchdown point left insufficient runway remaining to stop the aircraft on the wet grass surface.