Introduction
On 5 November 2006, a Grumman AA-5 aircraft, registration G-BLFW, was involved in an incident at Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury. The aircraft, manufactured in 1975, was powered by a single Lycoming O-320-E2G piston engine. The private flight carried one pilot and one passenger, neither of whom sustained injuries. The aircraft sustained damage including a bent nose landing gear, a small bend in the propeller, and minor structural damage.
Flight History
The flight originated from Draycott Farm in Swindon. Approaching Old Sarum from the south, the pilot turned west to initiate a base leg join for Runway 06. During the base leg call to the airfield, the pilot received information confirming Runway 06 was active and that the wind was light and variable. The airspeed at this stage was approximately 10 mph higher than normal.
Final Approach and Landing
On final approach, the pilot selected full flap and reduced power. Recognizing that the approach was slightly fast given the light wind conditions, the pilot realized the aircraft would land long but did not consider it excessively long and continued the approach. After touchdown, the aircraft did not decelerate as anticipated. The pilot applied full braking, but the aircraft continued beyond the runway.
The Incident
Despite full braking, the pilot realized the aircraft would not stop before the airfield boundary. Judging it too late to initiate a go-around, the pilot attempted to zigzag the aircraft while braking hard to reduce speed, but limited these maneuvers due to concern that the aircraft might turn over. After straightening, the aircraft broached a small barbed wire fence at the airfield boundary at relatively low speed. It continued across a small access road and came to rest against an earth bank on the far side. The impact with the bank was not severe.
Aftermath
After the aircraft stopped, the pilot switched both the master and magneto switches to OFF. The canopy was opened without difficulty, and both occupants vacated the aircraft normally. No injuries were reported.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, the accident was attributed to a deeper than normal touchdown resulting from a lack of wind, combined with a late realization of the predicament, by which time a go-around was no longer feasible. The pilot believed that an earlier decision to go-around could have avoided the accident.