What happened
On July 4, 2007, at 16:15 local time, a Cessna 206 (registration EC-HRR) was performing a commercial aerial photography mission when it overran the runway during landing at the Matilla de los Caños aerodrome in Valladolid, Spain. The flight had originally departed from the same aerodrome earlier that day for a scheduled four-hour mission, which was extended due to operational requirements. After a brief stop at Valladolid Airport to refuel, the crew departed for their return to Matilla de los Caños.
Prior to landing, the pilot observed the windsock via an onboard camera, noting a light northeast wind, and elected to land on runway 07. The pilot estimated the runway length to be 900 meters. During the landing roll, the aircraft made contact with the surface at approximately the end of the first third of the runway. The pilot applied flaps and brakes; however, the aircraft failed to stop within the paved area. After exiting the asphalt, the pilot shut down the engine and attempted to turn onto a taxiway. The aircraft ultimately came to a stop approximately 8 meters beyond the end of the runway, having struck the perimeter fence. The impact caused damage to the nose gear, a propeller blade, the left wing edge, and the tail section.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the pilot's experience, and the runway characteristics. The investigation established that the aircraft's braking system was functioning normally and no mechanical anomalies were detected in the engine or airframe. The pilot was highly experienced with both the aircraft type and the specific aerodrome, having operated from this base for over three months. Meteorological conditions were reported as clear (CAVOK) with light winds, which were not considered a contributing factor to the loss of control.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was a long landing, with the touchdown occurring between 200 and 300 meters from the threshold, utilizing only about one-third of the available runway.
- The pilot overestimated the runway length, believing it to be 900 meters when the actual paved length was only 775 meters.
- An excess of confidence contributed to the event, stemming from the pilot's familiarity with the aircraft's performance and the aerodrome's characteristics.