What happened
On 10 June 2001, a Gulfstream American GA-7, registration G-OOGI, was performing a private flight when it approached Runway 24 at Denham Airfield. During the final approach, the pilot encountered a notable crosswind from the right, which was managed by yawing the aircraft. As the aircraft descended to approximately 80 kt just above the runway, the pilot corrected the drift to align with the runway centerline.
The aircraft floated during the landing process, eventually touching down approximately one-third of the way along the runway. Upon application of the brakes, the wheels skidded several times. Realizing the aircraft would not stop before the runway threshold and that there was insufficient space to perform a go-around, the pilot shut down the engine. The aircraft subsequently veered to the right and struck a hedge at the end of the runway. There were no fatalities and no injuries to the crew or the three passengers on board.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the environmental conditions, noting a surface wind of 330° at 10 kt and visibility of 10 km. While the pilot initially managed a significant right-hand crosswind, it was noted upon exiting the aircraft that a significant tailwind was present.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the left engine cowl, the left wing, and the wing root fairing.
- The pilot failed to execute a go-around despite realizing the aircraft had landed too far down the runway to stop safely.
- A significant tailwind contributed to the long landing distance.