Incident Overview
On 4 August 2002, a Piper PA-34-200-2 Seneca, registration G-BATR, overran the runway at Woodchurch, Kent, during a private flight. The aircraft sustained damage beyond economic repair, but the pilot and three passengers evacuated uninjured.
Flight Details
The pilot, who held a Basic Commercial Pilots Licence with an Instructor's Rating and had 699 hours total flying experience (10 hours on type), planned a flight from Biggin Hill, Kent, to Woodchurch, Kent, to attend an air display. The flight was uneventful until arrival.
Weather Conditions
Isolated heavy rain showers were forecast for the time of arrival, with expected improvement later. The wind was light and variable in the vicinity of storms. Upon reaching Woodchurch, the airfield was experiencing a heavy rain shower, so the pilot held for two orbits until conditions eased.
Approach and Landing
The pilot positioned the aircraft for an approach to Runway 21, a 830-meter grass runway oriented 21/03, with a slight upslope in the touchdown area shifting to a downslope and then level at the 03 end. The grass had been cut short for the air display, and the underlying surface was firm. The pilot reported a normal touchdown at the correct point and speed.
Overrun Sequence
After touchdown, the pilot raised the flaps per normal procedures and began braking. Initial deceleration was slight, but it seemed to cease with about one-third of the runway remaining. The aircraft overran the landing strip, struck a hedge, and came to rest in the corner of an adjacent field.
Post-Incident Examination
An examination of the aircraft revealed skid marks on the grass runway leading to the aircraft's final position, indicating that the wheels were locked and brakes were operating normally. The braking system could not be directly inspected.
Performance Considerations
The aircraft was close to its maximum landing weight. The aircraft manual states a landing distance required from 50 feet on a dry tarmac surface of about 580 meters. According to CAA Safety Sense Leaflet 7B, Performance, on wet, short grass, landing distances may increase by up to 60%.