Accident Details
At 1245 UTC on 7 May 1999, a Piper PA-34-200-2, registration G-BANK, overran Runway 08 at Blackbushe Airport, Surrey. The aircraft sustained minor damage to both propellers and the engine cowling. The pilot, a 29-year-old holding a Private Pilot's Licence with IMC and Night Ratings, reported 149 total flying hours, including 33 hours on type, with 6 hours in the preceding 90 days. One passenger was on board; both occupants were wearing lap and diagonal seatbelts and vacated the aircraft without injury.
Weather and Landing Conditions
The Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer (AFISO) on duty described the weather as light surface winds (less than 5 kt), visibility 3,000 metres in light rain and drizzle, with broken cloud at 300 feet and overcast at 500 feet. The AFISO first observed the aircraft during crosswind, after which it disappeared into low cloud. On final approach, the pilot was cleared to land at discretion and advised of surface wind 110°/<5 kt. The aircraft was later seen at approximately 100 feet agl in a steep nose-down attitude, crossing the touchdown area. The AFISO estimated the touchdown point as two-thirds along the 1,342-metre asphalt runway.
Events During Landing
The pilot reported a normal approach with full flap selected. After touchdown, braking was initiated with half the runway remaining. Initially, the brakes had no effect; only rapid intermittent braking produced some deceleration. Realising the aircraft would not stop within the remaining runway, the pilot determined there was insufficient distance to attempt a go-around. As the aircraft overran the runway end, the pilot switched off the ignition and feathered the propellers, but the aircraft struck a barbed wire fence and concrete post before the propellers stopped rotating.
Observations and Findings
Another qualified AFISO in the tower reported seeing the aircraft appear from cloud on finals 'going very fast in a nose down attitude' and touched down two-thirds along the runway. The airport manager observed the aircraft overshoot the runway centreline before establishing on finals and also noted the long touchdown. He saw little retardation until the aircraft was abeam the Runway 26 Precision Approach Path Indicators, after which heavy braking was evident. At the AAIB's request, the airport manager examined the tyres: the left main tyre showed low tread pattern; the right main tyre had an area 1.5 to 2.5 inches long on the inside of the tread, indicating possible effects of aquaplaning.
Probable Cause
The pilot assessed the accident as being caused by standing water on the runway leading to aquaplaning.