Incident Overview
On 16 August 2006 at 1552 UTC, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration G-BBNT, operating a commercial passenger flight from London City Airport, made a visual approach and landed on Runway 23 at Sandown Aerodrome, Isle of Wight. The runway had a dry grass surface with a landing distance available (LDA) of 884 m. The northern taxiway exit is located at the end of the runway, beyond which lies an overrun of approximately 100 m crossing an uncontrolled minor public road.
Landing and Evasive Action
The pilot reported a normal touchdown with gentle braking. The estimated surface wind was 180° at 5 kt, with an air temperature of 18°C. As the landing roll neared completion, the pilot prepared to vacate the runway to the right. At that point, he noticed a vehicle entering the overrun area from the public road. The vehicle appeared to turn left toward the aircraft. Believing the safest course of action was to continue straight ahead, the pilot proceeded onto the overrun and across the road, successfully avoiding the vehicle. He then turned the aircraft 180° and vacated the runway onto the northern taxiway. The pilot reported that the vehicle drove off at high speed.
Performance Calculations
The aircraft's landing weight was 2,869 kg, below the maximum landing weight of 3,175 kg. According to the Airplane Flight Manual, the required landing distance from 50 ft was 585 m on dry grass with maximum braking. Applying the Public Transport factor of 1.43, the landing distance required was 837 m, which was within the LDA of 884 m.
Commander Details
The commander, aged 58, held an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 8,396 flying hours, including 61 hours on type. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 43 hours, with 28 hours in the last 28 days.
Corrective Action
Following the incident, the aerodrome management installed barriers to restrict vehicular movement on the road during certain aircraft movements.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft, manufactured in 1973, was a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain powered by two Lycoming LTIO-540-J2BD piston engines. There were two crew and four passengers on board; no injuries were reported, and no damage occurred to the aircraft.