Synopsis
The aircraft, a Cessna 152, registration G-BWEV, operated a private flight from Andrewsfield to Full Sutton on 13 April 2008. The pilot reported reduced visibility in light rain during the approach. The aircraft landed deep into Runway 22, which has a length of 772 metres, and subsequent braking on the wet grass was poor. The aircraft ran off the end of the runway onto soft ground and slowly nosed over. The pilot was not injured.
History of the Flight
The flight from Andrewsfield in Essex to Full Sutton was uneventful, although the pilot noted that Instrument Meteorological Conditions existed to the north of Skegness. Upon calling Full Sutton Radio with the airfield in sight, the pilot was informed of the runway in use and the QFE. The pilot described the visibility in light rain as 'not good', but the entire area of the airfield was visible from the downwind position.
On final approach to Runway 22, the pilot considered he was too high. He reduced engine power to idle and lowered full flap. The reduced propeller wash resulted in a build-up of raindrops on the windscreen, which further reduced the visibility. This caused the pilot to flare slightly high and land well down the runway, although he still considered there was enough room to stop. However, braking performance on the wet grass was poor and the aircraft ran off the end of the runway onto soft ground, where it slowly nosed over. The pilot released his harness and exited the inverted aircraft through the normal door.
Pilot's Assessment
In his statement, the pilot considered that the accident was the result of being too high on approach, coupled with a failure to make an early decision to go around.