What happened
On May 3, 2003, at approximately 13:30 UTC, an Extra 300L, registration D-ETZE, was participating in the Italian Aerobatic Championship at Arezzo Airport (LIQB). Following a free program flight in the unlimited category, the pilot attempted to land on runway 30. The aircraft touched down well beyond the midpoint of the 75 and 0-meter grass runway. Despite the application of maximum braking, the aircraft failed to stop within the runway limits, eventually breaching the airport perimeter fence and coming to rest approximately 5 meters beyond the fence in a drainage ditch.
There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, landing gear, and the forward section of the fuselage.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's performance capabilities and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The weather was clear with visibility exceeding 10 km, a temperature of 29°C, and light winds between 3 and 8 knots. The grass runway was dry.
Investigators analyzed the landing distance requirements for the Extra 300L. Based on a landing weight of 820 kg and a touchdown speed of 80 knots at 30°C, the aircraft's performance tables indicate a required stopping distance of 163 meters. Accounting for the grass surface, this distance increases by 15%. Given that the pilot touched down past the halfway mark of the 750-meter runway, approximately 300 meters of runway remained available. The investigation found no mechanical failures or malfunctions in the aircraft's systems.
Findings
- The pilot touched down significantly late in the runway, leaving insufficient distance to decelerate.
- The aircraft likely maintained an approach speed exceeding the recommended 80 knots.
- Improper approach parameters, potentially due to pilot inattention following the completion of the competition flight, resulted in an excessive touchdown point and speed, leading to the runway excursion.