What happened
During a flight at Breda International Airport, a pilot conducted an approach and landing at an excessive speed. The aircraft's downwind leg was flown at an altitude of 1,000 feet AMSL, which exceeded the 730 feet AMSL prescribed by the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). To compensate for the high altitude and attempt to reduce speed, the pilot extended the final approach, but the aircraft maintained significant power upon touchdown. The nose wheel made contact with the runway first, and the aircraft failed to stop before the end of the runway. The aircraft exited the runway on the south side, striking airport fencing, a pole, and a tree, eventually coming to a halt in a meadow. The aircraft sustained severe damage, including the detachment of the right wing, and the pilot had to be extricated by emergency services.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot intentionally flew at a higher altitude during the downwind leg to maintain better visibility of the runway over surrounding trees. While the pilot recognized that the speed was too high to stop before the runway end, they determined that it was too late to perform a go-around. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight experience and confirmed that there were no mechanical defects in the aircraft that contributed to the excursion.
Findings
- The primary cause of the runway excursion was the pilot performing the approach and landing at a high speed and failing to execute a go-around when the approach became unsafe.
- The approach was preceded by a violation of mandatory flight procedures, as the downwind leg was flown above the prescribed circuit altitude.
- The pilot's decision to fly higher to avoid looking over buildings or trees created a risk of unexpected traffic patterns for other pilots in the circuit.