What happened
On 4 August 2002, a Piper PA-34-200-2 Seneca, registration G-BATR, was conducting a private flight from Biggin Hill to Woodchurch, Kent, to attend an air display. The flight included the pilot and three passengers. Upon arrival at the private airstrip, the aircraft encountered heavy rain showers. After orbiting the airfield to wait for the weather to clear, the pilot commenced an approach to Runway 21.
While the initial touchdown was reported as normal in both speed and position, the aircraft failed to decelerate effectively. After the pilot retracted the flaps and applied the brakes, the deceleration appeared to stop with approximately one third of the runway remaining. Consequently, the aircraft overran the grass strip and collided with a hedge before coming to a halt in a nearby field. All four occupants exited the aircraft without injury, though the aircraft sustained damage beyond economic repair.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the condition of the airfield. Although the braking system could not be physically inspected following the accident, the pilot observed skid marks on the grass leading up to the final resting position of the aircraft. These marks suggested that the wheels had locked, indicating that the braking mechanism was functional.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating near its maximum landing weight at the time of the accident.
- The runway surface consisted of short-cut grass which, while firm, was affected by recent heavy rain.
- The wet grass surface likely caused a significant increase in the required landing distance.
- According to performance guidelines, landing distances on short, wet grass can increase by as much as 60% compared to dry tarmac.