What happened
On 14 November 2000, a Cessna 172R, registration G-OPFT, was completing a private flight at Newtownards Airport, Co. Down. The pilot had previously shortened the flight due to worsening weather conditions. During the landing on runway 34, the aircraft encountered rain, and the asphalt surface was damp.
The aircraft touched down past the displaced threshold markers. Upon attempting to decelerate, the pilot found that the application of brakes was not effective. Consequently, the aircraft overran the end of the runway and entered a shallow drainage ditch, where it collided with several small boulders. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the engine, propeller, landing gear, and the lower section of the fuselage. The pilot, who was wearing a lap and diagonal harness, escaped the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's configuration and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The meteorological report indicated a visibility of 10 kilometres, a cloud base of 2,000 feet, and light winds.
During the review of the flight parameters, it was determined that the pilot had used only 20 degrees of flap for the approach, rather than the standard full flap setting. Additionally, the pilot noted that the approach speed might have been slightly higher than optimal for the conditions.