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Cessna 172M Overruns Wet Grass Runway at Elmsett (G-BSCR)

Elmsett Airfield, Suffolk, GB

On November 29, 1998, a CESSNA 172M (registration G-BSCR) was involved in an aviation accident near Elmsett Airfield, Suffolk, GB. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot considered that the cause of the accident was his misjudgement of the stopping capability of the aircraft on the wet runway and his failure to execute a go-around when it became apparent that he was high on the approach. This summary draws on records from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

Sourcesthe UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

On 29 November 1998, a Cessna 172M (G-BSCR) overran Runway 23 at Elmsett Airfield, Suffolk, after a high approach and reduced braking on wet grass, resulting in substantial damage to the propeller and left wingtip. The pilot reported no injuries.

Background

The aircraft involved was a Cessna 172M, registration G-BSCR, manufactured in 1973 and powered by a single Lycoming O-320-E2D piston engine. The pilot, aged 59, held a Private Pilot's Licence with a total flying experience of 125 hours, of which 12 were on type. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 11 hours, including 4 hours in the last 28 days.

Flight

On 29 November 1998 at 1100 UTC, the pilot operated a private cross-country flight from Stapleford to Elmsett Airfield, Suffolk. The weather was fine, with a reported surface wind from 310° at 10 knots. On arrival, the pilot was informed that Runway 23 was in use. Runway 23/05 is a grass runway with a significant downslope at the south west end.

Accident

While turning finals, the pilot realised he was high on the approach and closed the throttle. He anticipated landing about halfway along the runway but considered the 850-metre runway length sufficient for stopping in the prevailing conditions. However, the short grass on the runway was wet. When the pilot applied the brakes, there was no significant retardation, particularly as the aircraft entered the downslope section of the runway. The aircraft overran the runway and entered a ploughed field, where it tipped onto its nose, causing the propeller to strike the ground. Damage was substantial to the propeller and left wingtip. The pilot was uninjured.

Pilot's Assessment

The pilot stated that the cause of the accident was his misjudgment of the aircraft's stopping capability on the wet runway and his failure to execute a go-around when it became apparent he was high on the approach. He also noted that, given the surface wind, he should have been offered Runway 05 to take advantage of the upslope at the start of that runway.

Probable cause

The pilot considered that the cause of the accident was his misjudgement of the stopping capability of the aircraft on the wet runway and his failure to execute a go-around when it became apparent that he was high on the approach.
Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Nov 1998 CESSNA 172M accident near Elmsett Airfield, Suffolk, GB?

On 29 November 1998, a Cessna 172M (G-BSCR) overran Runway 23 at Elmsett Airfield, Suffolk, after a high approach and reduced braking on wet grass, resulting in substantial damage to the propeller and left wingtip. The pilot reported no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Nov 1998 CESSNA 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Nov 1998 involved a CESSNA 172M, registration G-BSCR, at Elmsett Airfield, Suffolk, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot considered that the cause of the accident was his misjudgement of the stopping capability of the aircraft on the wet runway and his failure to execute a go-around when it became apparent that he was high on the approach.

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