What happened
On December 14, 2014, at approximately 13:55 UTC, a PA 28-181 was landing at Zell am See Airport in Austria following a flight from Augsburg, Germany. The aircraft, a Piper PA 28-181, approached runway 08 but failed to come to a halt within the available runway length. The pilot touched down approximately 250 meters after passing the runway threshold, near the midpoint of the 540-meter runway.
As the aircraft continued down the runway, it overran the threshold of runway 26, crashed through a perimeter fence, and came to a rest in a depression in the terrain. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, specifically to the propeller, spinner, cowling, and the leading edge of the left wing. There were no fatalities or injuries to the pilot, and only minor damage was reported to the airport fence.
The investigation
The Austrian Federal Safety Investigation Board (SUB) examined the flight parameters, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the pilot's credentials. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within permissible limits and that all required maintenance and airworthiness documentation were valid. The investigation also reviewed the weather conditions, which were characterized by good visibility and calm winds at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The pilot was flying at an approach speed higher than the limits specified in the aircraft flight manual.
- The touchdown occurred significantly late, approximately 250 meters past the runway threshold.
- The combination of excessive approach speed and a late touchdown prevented the aircraft from stopping before the end of the runway.
- There were no pre-existing technical defects or mechanical failures that contributed to the accident.