What happened
On 25 June 2010, a Cessna 172M Skyhawk, registration G-BBKZ, was conducting a private cross-country flight from Exeter to Land’s End (St Just) Airport in Cornwall. During the approach to Runway 25, the pilot initially attempted a straight-in approach for the left side of the runway but subsequently abandoned this maneuver. A go-around was performed, with the aircraft repositioning for a downwind approach to the same runway.
The aircraft touched down on the 695-metre dry, grass runway. However, the pilot noted that the landing was long and fast, exacerbated by calm wind conditions. Despite applying maximum braking, the aircraft failed to stop within the available runway length. The aircraft overran the end of the strip, striking a hedge and then colliding with the airport perimeter fence. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, engine, cowling, left wheel cover, and ventral antenna.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the runway conditions, and the pilot's maneuvers. Investigators looked into the transition from the initial approach to the go-around and the specific circumstances of the touchdown. The assessment included the impact of the wind conditions at the time of the accident and the physical characteristics of the runway surface at the western end of the strip.