Aircraft Overruns Grass Runway at Molinella Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Aviosuperficie di Molinella (BO), IT

A Robin DR 400-160 struck fixed obstacles after an improper landing approach at the Molinella aerodrome, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.

What happened

On April 20, 2006, a Robin DR 400-160, registration I-DINU, was performing a recreational flight from Bologna to the Molinella aerodrome. During the landing phase on runway 21, the pilot touched down past the midpoint of the grass strip. As the aircraft decelerated, the pilot attempted a left skid maneuver to avoid overrunning the end of the field. However, the aircraft struck concrete pipes used as fencing for an irrigation ditch located approximately 100 meters beyond the runway threshold. The impact caused the right wing to strike the obstacles, after which the aircraft continued its course and came to a stop near the ditch. There were no injuries to the pilot, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a broken propeller, a severed right main landing gear, a punctured left fuel tank, and significant engine compartment damage.

The investigation

The ANSV investigation examined ground tracks and aircraft performance data. Evidence showed the aircraft touched down roughly 300 meters before the end of the runway. Given that the aircraft's performance tables for an 800 kg landing weight in similar temperatures require between 450 and 500 meters to stop on grass, the investigation determined the aircraft lacked sufficient remaining runway to halt safely. The investigation also noted that the aerodrome lacked adequate horizontal markings for the runway thresholds, which were required by the regulations in effect at the time. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were identified in the aircraft or its components.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's improper landing approach, which resulted in a touchdown too far down the runway. Contributing factors included the pilot's limited flight experience in the 90 days prior to the event, a lack of sufficient knowledge regarding the aircraft's specific landing performance requirements, and the absence of adequate horizontal runway threshold markings at the aerodrome.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-04-20 DR 400-160, accident near Aviosuperficie di Molinella (BO), IT?

A Robin DR 400-160 struck fixed obstacles after an improper landing approach at the Molinella aerodrome, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-04-20 involved a DR 400-160,, registration I-DINU, at Aviosuperficie di Molinella (BO), IT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's improper landing approach, which resulted in a touchdown too far down the runway. Contributing factors included the pilot's limited flight experience in the 90 days prior to the event, a lack of sufficient knowledge regarding the aircraft's specific landing…

Loading the flight search…