Runway overrun and nose-over of MCR-01 ULC at Willingale Airfield

Casualties unknown • Willingale Airfield, Essex, GB

A private microlight flight ended in a runway overrun and aircraft nose-over during a landing on a wet grass surface at Willingale Airfield.

What happened

On 12 January 2008, a MCR-01 ULC, registration G-TDVB, was conducting a private flight from Plaistowes Airfield to Willingale Airfield. Upon joining the airfield via the overhead circuit, the pilot was informed by ground communications that runway 02 was in use. The pilot performed an approach to runway 02 at a speed of 50 kt, touching down near the start of the strip.

While the initial braking was effective, the runway surface became increasingly soft and the gradient increased as the aircraft progressed down the strip. This resulted in the aircraft overrunning the end of the runway by several metres, at which point the aircraft nosed over. The pilot, who was secured with a full harness, remained uninjured but was briefly trapped inside the cockpit until assistance arrived from local microlight pilots.

The investigation

The investigation examined the runway conditions and the performance requirements of the aircraft. Willingale Airfield features a single grass runway, oriented 02/20, measuring approximately 400 m in length. The investigation established that the runway possessed a slight downslope towards the end of the strip.

Assessments of the MCR-01 ULC performance data indicated that while the aircraft requires 270 m of hard runway for landing, safety margins must be adjusted for unimproved surfaces. Following manufacturer guidelines, a 20% increase is recommended for grass surfaces, and a 40% increase for unimproved strips. Furthermore, CAA safety guidance suggests adding 10% to landing distances for every degree of downslope, with additional considerations for wet grass.

Findings

  • The aircraft overran the runway and nosed over due to ineffective braking on a soft, wet grass surface.
  • The runway surface became increasingly soft and the gradient increased towards the end of the runway.
  • The landing distance required for the aircraft on a grass surface (using a 20% or 40% safety margin) would have been significantly higher than the 270 m required for hard runways.
  • The pilot had no prior experience operating at this specific airfield.

Probable cause

The aircraft overran the runway and subsequently nosed over because the braking effectiveness was reduced by the soft and wet condition of the grass runway, compounded by the increasing downslope of the landing strip.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-01-12 MCR-01 ULC accident near Willingale Airfield, Essex, GB?

A private microlight flight ended in a runway overrun and aircraft nose-over during a landing on a wet grass surface at Willingale Airfield.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-01-12 involved a MCR-01 ULC, registration G-TDVB, at Willingale Airfield, Essex, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft overran the runway and subsequently nosed over because the braking effectiveness was reduced by the soft and wet condition of the grass runway, compounded by the increasing downslope of the landing strip.

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