What happened
On the day of the accident, the pilot was operating at Northrepps Airfield, which features a single grass runway. After an initial approach to Runway 18, the pilot elected to perform a go-around to reposition for a landing on Runway 36. This decision was made to utilize the uphill slope of the second runway, as the pilot believed the braking benefits of the incline would outweigh the minimal wind resistance present during the first approach.
During the approach to Runway 36, the pilot closed the throttles near the threshold. The aircraft type (unspecified in source) touched down near the start of the runway, at which point the pilot retracted the flaps. While the aircraft initially decelerated as expected, the pilot noted that the braking force from the wheels ceased to be effective once the uphill gradient leveled out. The pilot then experienced a sensation similar to aquaplaning, leading to a total loss of braking authority.
As a result, the aircraft traveled across the runway and through the grassed overshoot area. The aircraft subsequently struck an earth bank located at the end of the runway and came to a stop on a public road situated just north of the bank. There were zero fatalities and zero injuries reported, as all three occupants were able to exit the aircraft without difficulty.
Findings
- The pilot noted that the windsock near the Runway 18 threshold was non-standard and potentially unreliable for determining wind strength.
- The pilot did not recall seeing the airfield's primary, larger windsock.
- The runway surface was wet at the time of the incident.
- The loss of control was attributed to the loss of braking effectiveness and a sensation of aquaplaning after the uphill slope ended.