Accident Overview
On 11 August 2006 at 1310 UTC, a Cessna 182Q (registration G-BWRR) operated by a private pilot sustained minor damage during a landing overrun at Lower Withial Farm, Pennard, Somerset. The single-engine aircraft, manufactured in 1978 and powered by a Continental O-470-U piston engine, was on a private flight from Fishburn, County Durham. The pilot, aged 63, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 1,946 flying hours, including 224 hours on type.
Weather and Approach
The flight encountered weather as forecast: wind from 320° at 25 kt, cloudbase 3,000 ft, and unlimited visibility. The pilot noted scattered rain showers and circled for five minutes to allow them to clear. The forecast wind for the area was 320° at 8 kt, matching the Bristol ATIS broadcast and the windsock. An initial approach to Runway 05 was aborted because the GPS indicated a 5 kt tailwind. The pilot repositioned for Runway 23, configuring the aircraft with flaps at 40° and an approach speed of 60 kt. The GPS then showed a 5 kt headwind.
Landing and Overrun
The approach was normal, with touchdown in the first third of the 500 m grass strip (Runway 05/23). During the landing roll, the aircraft struck an undulation halfway along the strip and became airborne again. The pilot applied a small amount of power to arrest the descent, using up more runway. After touching down again, brakes were applied but little deceleration occurred due to the slipperiness of wet grass following a recent shower. As the aircraft neared the runway end beyond an electric fence, the pilot deemed a go-around too risky. Steering had minimal effect; the aircraft passed through the electric fence, struck a parked car, and came to rest about 10 m beyond the fence. The pilot shut down the engine and all four occupants exited unaided.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained damage to the horizontal stabiliser, right strut, lower engine cowling, and nosewheel spat. No injuries were reported among the one crew and three passengers.
Performance Information
The Pilot’s Operating Handbook notes a 40% landing distance increase for dry grass. Performance figures from Cessna give a landing distance from 50 ft of 582 m with a ground roll of 256 m for dry grass. They stated that for wet grass there would be little or no braking, and the pilot could experience hydroplaning. The Civil Aviation Authority Safety Sense Leaflet 7c notes that landing on a wet surface can increase ground roll due to reduced tyre friction, with very short wet grass on firm subsoil potentially giving a 60% increase.