What happened
During a recreational flight for the owner and passengers, the crew prepared for landing at an island airfield. Based on weather briefings and a final report received 30 minutes prior to descent, the crew identified a wind of 290 degrees at 7 knots. To avoid an approaching squall, the crew opted for a straight-in approach to runway 10, noting a slight headwind component from the windsock.
The aircraft made a firm touchdown just past the runway threshold. In an attempt to decelerate, the crew extended the speed brakes and applied wheel braking. The captain then requested the deployment of the drag chute. Although the co-pilot activated the deployment handle, the parachute failed to deploy, providing no additional deceleration.
As the aircraft ran out of runway, the captain attempted to steer the plane toward a clear grassy area to the right. However, due to aquaplaning on the wet runway, the aircraft did not respond to steering commands. The plane drifted off the bitumen, struck a gable marker, and crossed a fence. The aircraft continued down an embankment, traversed a road, and passed through a second fence, eventually coming to a halt 90 metres beyond the runway end and 70 metres right of the centerline. The impact caused the nose and left main landing gear to be torn from the airframe.
Findings
- The runway surface was very wet at the time of the accident.
- The drag chute failed to deploy despite the correct activation of the handle by the co-pilot.
- The aircraft experienced a loss of directional control due to aquaplaning on the wet surface.