What happened
On 21 May 2001, a Cessna U206G, registration G-BSUE, was conducting a private flight when it departed the runway at Hollow Lane Farm, located near Thurston, Suffolk. During the approach to Runway 27, the pilot maintained a normal descent, passing over trees situated approximately 200 yards from the runway threshold. The aircraft touched down roughly one-third of the way down the 430-metre grass strip.
Upon landing, the pilot applied heavy braking; however, the aircraft did not decelerate as anticipated. Realising a go-around was no longer possible, the pilot attempted rapid, intermittent braking. The aircraft subsequently drifted off the right side of the runway and collided with a boundary hedge at a speed of approximately 15 to 20 mph. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the propeller and the forward airframe. Both occupants, who were secured with lap and diagonal upper torso restraints, exited the aircraft with no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions and the aircraft's performance during the landing roll. At the time of the incident, visibility was excellent (CAVOK) and the grass surface was dry. While the pilot initially perceived the wind to be variable at approximately 5 knots, an inspection of the windsock after the event revealed that a tailwind of approximately 5 knots was actually present for Runway 27.