Introduction
On 4 August 2002, at 1633 hours UTC, a Reims Aviation SA Cessna F172M, registration G-BEBI, sustained damage beyond economic repair after overrunning the runway at West Road, Clacton, Essex. The aircraft was on a private flight from Elstree, Hertfordshire to Clacton.
Flight Details
The pilot, a 54-year-old holder of a Private Pilot's Licence (Aeroplanes) with 902 total flying hours (333 on type), was part owner of the aircraft. He and three friends planned a land‑away flight. Weather was fine, and the pilot was familiar with Clacton's local features and noise‑sensitive areas.
Accident Sequence
On arrival, the wind was light easterly with Runway 18 in use. Runway 18 is a 610-metre grass surface with a displaced threshold, providing 502 metres of landing distance. The final third of the runway has a slight downslope.
To reduce noise, the pilot set up a steep glide approach but had to use S‑turns to achieve a satisfactory path, leading to a go‑around. The second approach was also steep; the aiming point appeared just short of the displaced threshold. Although speed was 10–15 knots fast, the pilot decided to continue and 'decelerate in the flare and hold‑off.'
During the extended flare, the pilot lost sight of the airfield boundary and did not know how much runway remained. Eyewitnesses estimated the initial touchdown was beyond the runway's midpoint. When the pilot lowered the nosewheel, he immediately realised the proximity of the boundary hedge. He initially attempted to steer right to avoid impact, then changed his mind and applied power for a go‑around.
Aftermath
The aircraft struck the boundary hedge and a lamp post, crossed a road, and came to rest in a hedge on the far side, having suffered extensive damage. The pilot turned off fuel and electrics, then evacuated with two passengers. There were no signs of fire. The third passenger, an elderly individual, remained in the aircraft until medical assistance arrived, was helped out, and taken to hospital for overnight observation. The three passengers sustained minor injuries; the pilot was uninjured.
Pilot's Observations
In his report, the pilot identified the following factors as contributors to the accident: too much concern about noise abatement; continuing a steep glide approach; loss of sight of the airfield boundary hedge during the flare; and late attempt at a go‑around.