What happened
On 11 August 2007, a Pierre Robin DR400/180 Regent, registration G-FCSP, was conducting a private flight from Biggin Hill to the Isle of Bute to attend a commemorative event. During the approach to Runway 27 at Rothesay, the pilot performed a teardrop turn for landing. The runway, which consists of a 480 m grass strip, was damp following recent rainfall.
The aircraft touched down approximately 150 m beyond the start of the runway. The approach speed was recorded at 56 kt, which was notably slower than the standard 65 kt approach speed. As the aircraft rolled along the remaining length of the grass surface, it continued past the end of the runway, striking a fence and a ditch. The impact caused the nose landing gear to detach and resulted in damage to the propeller and the right wing. The pilot was able to evacuate the aircraft without difficulty, and no injuries were reported.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's performance and the pilot's decision-making. The pilot noted that his desire to reach the event may have impacted his composure during the landing phase. He also suggested that he might not have correctly configured the flaps for landing due to time constraints during the final turn, though post-accident photographs indicated the flaps were in the landing position.
Investigators analyzed the landing distance requirements. While the Aircraft Flight Manual provided landing ground roll data for a dried and level concrete runway, the pilot may have been confused by the terminology. Calculations indicated that under the actual conditions—short, wet grass—the required landing distance would have been significantly extended. Applying the safety factors suggested by CAA guidance, the required distance would have increased to approximately 387 m, which, when combined with the slight tailwind, left insufficient margin for the 480 m runway.
Findings
- The aircraft touched down 150 m into a 480 m runway.
- The landing distance required exceeded the available runway length due to the damp, short grass surface and the presence of a slight tailwind.
- The pilot's focus on reaching the event may have influenced his operational decision-making.
- Potential confusion regarding landing distance terminology in the Aircraft Flight Manual contributed to the error in performance estimation.