What happened
During a flight at Breda International Airport, a pilot conducted an approach and landing characterized by excessive speed. The aircraft initially flew the downwind leg at an altitude exceeding the prescribed limits set by the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). To compensate for this higher altitude and attempt to reduce speed, the pilot extended the final approach. However, the aircraft maintained significant power upon touchdown. The aircraft subsequently overran the runway on the south side, breaching the airport fencing, striking a pole, and crossing a road before hitting a tree and coming to rest in a meadow. The impact was severe enough to cause the complete detachment of the right wing. The pilot was rescued from the wreckage by airport fire services.
The investigation
The Dutch Safety Board examined the flight parameters and the pilot's decision-making process. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was flying at an altitude higher than the 730 feet AMSL prescribed for the circuit. Camera footage and physical evidence at the runway threshold indicated that the aircraft made contact with the ground before the first intersection following the threshold. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight experience and the technical state of the aircraft, finding no mechanical defects that contributed to the excursion.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the pilot performing a high-speed approach and failing to initiate a go-around when it became clear the aircraft could not stop within the remaining runway length.
- A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to fly the downwind leg at an altitude higher than prescribed to maintain better visibility over trees.
- The aircraft's high energy state upon landing, resulting from the extended approach and high speed, made a safe stop impossible given the low wind conditions.