What happened
On 5 July 2008, a Cirrus SR22, registration N434A, was conducting a private flight from Stapleford towards Manchester/Barton Aerodrome. As the aircraft approached the airfield, it encountered heavy thundery showers which significantly degraded visibility. Upon final approach to Runway 27L, the pilot lost sight of the far end of the runway due to the weather conditions. The aircraft touched down in the middle third of the 621-metre runway.
Recognizing the high risk of skidding on the very wet surface, the pilot attempted to use light braking. However, the aircraft failed to stop within the remaining runway length and ran off the end into a rough area of long grass. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board, though the aircraft sustained minor damage, including a cracked wheel spat and nicks to the propeller.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot and subsequent enquiries. The investigation focused on the environmental conditions at the time of the landing and the pilot's decision-making regarding the approach and touchdown. The investigation established that the runway surface was wet due to a heavy rain shower passing over the aerodrome at the time of the arrival, and that the wind had shifted to become a slight tailwind.
Findings
- The primary factor in the excursion was the loss of longitudinal stopping distance on a wet runway.
- Visibility was significantly reduced by scattered thundery showers.
- The pilot noted that, in hindsight, performing a go-around would have been a safer alternative to attempting the landing in the deteriorating weather.