What happened
On 23 July 2011, a Cessna U206A Super Skywagon, registration G-ATLT, was performing aerial work for parachuting at Grindale Airfield in Yorkshire. While attempting to land on the 500-metre grass runway, the pilot landed further down the strip than originally planned. Due to the wet condition of the grass, the pilot experienced almost no braking effectiveness.
As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the pilot initiated a left turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft began to slide sideways. The right main landing gear lost contact with the runway surface and slid into an adjacent area of ground crop that sat approximately one foot lower than the runway. During this excursion, the outer section of the right wing struck the ground, resulting in damage to the outer main spar and the surrounding wing structure. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
Investigators examined the environmental conditions and the aircraft's movement. The surface wind was recorded at 340° at 10 knots. The investigation established that a stand of trees located near the runway threshold had generated turbulence. Furthermore, the investigators reviewed the impact of surface conditions, noting that wet grass significantly increases landing distances and reduces braking capability.
Findings
- The pilot's landing distance was longer than intended due to the wet grass surface.
- The aircraft's right wing sustained structural damage because of the impact with the ground during a sideways slide.
- Turbulence caused by nearby trees contributed to the aircraft's instability near the runway threshold.
- The transition from the runway to the lower-lying crop area facilitated the wing strike.