What happened
On 7 May 1999, a Piper PA-3-200-2, registration G-BANK, was performing a private flight when it overran the runway at Blackbushe Airport, Surrey. The aircraft was attempting to land on the asphalt Runway 08 during a period of poor weather, characterized by light rain, drizzle, and low cloud ceilings.
During the approach, the aircraft was observed by ground personnel in a steep, nose-down attitude and at a high speed. The aircraft touched down significantly further down the runway than intended. Although the pilot applied braking, the brakes initially failed to provide deceleration, only becoming effective after rapid, intermittent applications. By the time the pilot recognized the aircraft would not stop within the remaining runway length, there was no remaining distance to execute a go-around. As the aircraft exited the runway, it struck a concrete post and a barbed wire fence. Both the pilot and the passenger escaped the aircraft without any injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the runway conditions. The Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer (AFISO) and the Airport Manager provided observations regarding the aircraft's high speed and late touchdown point. The investigation also included an examination of the aircraft's tyres by the Airport Manager. The inspection of the left main tyre revealed a low tread pattern, while the right main tyre showed a specific wear pattern—a longitudinal area 1.5 to 2.5 inches long on the inside of the tread—which suggested the tyre had been affected by surface water.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a loss of braking effectiveness due to aquaplaning caused by standing water on the runway surface.
- The aircraft touched down much further down the runway than the pilot had initially anticipated.
- The low tread pattern on the left main tyre may have contributed to the loss of traction.