What happened
On 24 September 2011, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, registration N208AF, was conducting an aerial work flight when it overran the runway at South Cerney Airfield in Gloucestershire. The flight had originated from RAF Weston-on-the-Green.
At the time of the incident, the aircraft was operating on runway 24, a grass strip measuring 920 metres in length. Weather conditions were reported as good, with a temperature of 16°C and a light surface wind from 240° at 5 knots; however, the runway surface was wet. The pilot reported that the aircraft landed long on the runway. Upon application of the brakes, the wheels locked, causing the aircraft to slide along the runway surface. The aircraft subsequently overran the end of the runway and breached the perimeter fence. The impact caused damage to the propeller, the nosewheel, and the leading edges of both wings. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The investigator noted that the pilot's report lacked specific details regarding the aircraft's configuration, the type of approach performed, or the reasoning behind the decision to continue the approach despite the landing distance.
An examination of a photograph taken at the scene revealed that the wing flaps appeared to be only partially extended. Because the pilot did not provide further information regarding the landing parameters, the specific circumstances leading to the long landing remain undetermined.