What happened
On 18 May 2004, a Morane Saul .883, registration G-BIIK, was conducting a private flight from Fenland Airfield. The flight concluded with an approach to Runway 15 at the Castle Bytham Farm Strip, located near Cottesmore, Rutland. The airfield consisted of a 500-metre dry grass surface.
During the landing phase, the aircraft touched down approximately 100 metres into the strip at a speed of 50 to 55 kt. Despite the pilot's attempts to use the brakes, the aircraft failed to decelerate effectively. As the aircraft neared the end of the runway, the pilot switched off the magnetos to shut down the engine. The aircraft subsequently struck a hedge bordering the airfield, resulting in damage to the right gear, the wingtip, and both slats. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the aircraft's braking performance and the environmental conditions at the time of the landing. The weather was reported as good, with a forecast wind of 270° at 05 kt, which was corroborated by the movement of a nearby windsock and visible smoke. Following the event, the pilot confirmed that the aircraft's braking system was functioning correctly and was not the cause of the failure to stop.
Findings
- The pilot believed the aircraft may have landed with a slight tailwind.
- The pilot failed to execute an early go-around despite the lack of deceleration.
- The impact occurred because the aircraft could not be stopped within the remaining length of the grass strip.