Introduction
On 25 June 2010, a Cessna 172M Skyhawk, registration G-BBKZ, was involved in an accident at Land's End Airport in Cornwall. The aircraft was manufactured in 1973 and powered by a single Lycoming O-320-E2D piston engine. The flight was a private cross-country trip from Exeter to Land's End.
Flight Details
The pilot, aged 68 and holding a Private Pilot's Licence, had accumulated 345 flying hours, of which 283 were on type. His recent flying experience included 5 hours in the last 90 days and 5 hours in the last 28 days. The aircraft carried one pilot and one passenger; both were uninjured.
The weather at St Just (Land's End) was reported as calm wind, visibility exceeding 10 km, and a few clouds at 2,000 ft. The transit from Exeter was uneventful.
Approach and Landing
The pilot was cleared for a straight-in approach to the left side of Runway 25, but the initial approach was abandoned. A go-around was performed, and the aircraft was positioned downwind for Runway 25. During the go-around, excessive altitude was gained, and the aircraft remained high when established on final approach.
To lose height, the pilot reduced power to idle and lowered full flap. The aircraft touched down at approximately the midpoint of the 695-metre dry grass runway. Despite applying maximum braking, the aircraft overran the end of the runway, entered a hedge at low speed, and collided with the airport perimeter fence.
Damage and Outcome
The accident resulted in damage to the propeller, engine shock loading, ventral antenna, cowling, and left wheel cover. The occupants were uninjured and exited the aircraft through the normal door. The pilot attributed the overrun to landing long and fast in calm wind conditions, with the downward slope at the western end of the runway possibly being a contributory factor.