What happened
On 31 August 2009, a MCR-01 VLA Sportster, registration G-TOMX, was performing a private flight at Sittles Farm Airfield in Staffordshire. The pilot executed a standard approach to Runway 09, encountering a 10 kt crosswind. While the landing itself was initially normal, the aircraft failed to decelerate as anticipated once the wheel brakes were engaged. Consequently, the aircraft overran the landing strip and collided with a hedge. The impact resulted in damage to the noseleg, both spats, the left leading edge, and the upper section of the fuel tank. The pilot was the sole occupant and sustained no injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the airfield conditions and the aircraft's performance during the landing roll. The pilot reported that the grass on the runway was notably long and wet. It was noted that the long grass had been left unmanaged to help disperse moisture and dry out the surface, though the pilot observed that the grass was significantly longer than it would have been had it been trimmed more frequently. The pilot also remarked that the temperature at the time was unknown, suggesting the surface conditions might have been as cold as a frozen lake.
Findings
- The primary cause of the overrun was the inability of the aircraft to decelerate effectively due to the surface conditions.
- The runway surface consisted of unusually long and wet grass.
- The pilot was aware of the crosswind conditions prior to landing.