What happened
On 19 June 1999, a Cessna 172M, registration G-BSCR, was conducting a private flight from Stapleford Tawney to Clacton Airfield in Essex. The weather conditions were clear with good visibility and a westerly wind. The pilot approached Runway 18 via a right-hand circuit using 30° flaps.
The approach was noted to be steep and faster than a standard procedure. While the aircraft crossed the threshold at approximately 20 feet, it ballooned during the flare. The aircraft subsequently touched down roughly 250 metres past the displaced threshold. In an attempt to stop, the pilot applied heavy braking, but the wheels locked with approximately 120 metres of runway remaining. The aircraft skidded across the dry grass and exited the end of the runway at approximately 40 knots, ultimately colliding with a substantial hedge. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained significant damage to both wings and was declared a write-off.
The investigation
The investigation established that the landing distance available on Runway 18 was limited to 502 metres due to a displaced threshold. The investigators also reviewed the pilot's recent history, noting that this was the second runway excursion involving this specific aircraft. A previous incident had occurred on 29 November 1998 at Elmsett airfield, which involved a similar pattern of a fast, steep approach and a touchdown mid-runway. Following that event, the pilot had received instruction on short-field landing techniques.
Findings
- The pilot performed a steep and fast approach, failing to use the full 40° flap setting available.
- The touchdown occurred too far down the runway for the available distance.
- Heavy braking caused the wheels to lock, leading to a skid on the dry grass.
- The pilot failed to execute a go-around despite recognizing the landing was long on a short runway.