What happened
On January 9, 2000, at approximately 15:00, a Wassmer WA 41, registration G-ATZS, was conducting a private flight at Calais aerodrome. The aircraft entered the traffic pattern at an altitude of 2,000 feet. According to air traffic controllers, the aircraft crossed the runway threshold at an altitude of between 500 and 600 feet AGL and touched down approximately 1,000 meters past the threshold of runway 24.
As the aircraft exited the runway via the final left-hand taxiway at a high speed, it drifted to the right side of the paved surface. During this maneuver, the right wing struck a runway flashing light. The aircraft came to a halt after the right landing gear collided with the power supply box for the light.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path and the sequence of events during the landing and rollout. Investigators examined the aircraft's descent profile, noting that the aircraft passed the threshold at a height of 500 to 600 feet. The investigation also assessed the impact of the aircraft's speed and trajectory during the exit from the runway.
Findings
- The right wing and right landing gear sustained heavy damage.
- The aircraft structure was dented at the right wing root.
- The runway flashing light and its associated power supply box were damaged.
- The primary cause of the accident was the decision to continue the landing following an unstabilized approach.
- The high speed during the runway exit contributed to the aircraft veering off the paved surface.