What happened
On 6 April 2009, a Robin DR400/180 Regent, registration G-CBMT, was conducting a private flight at Cromer Airfield, Norfolk. During the initial approach to Runway 04, the pilot determined the aircraft was flying too high and subsequently executed a go-around. The wind conditions at the time were recorded at 10 knots from 100 degrees.
On the second approach, the pilot judged the flight path to be satisfactory. However, the aircraft made contact with the runway surface at a point significantly down the runway slope. Because Runway 04 features a slight dip midway along its length and descends toward a railway line, the aircraft lacked sufficient distance to decelerate. The presence of a railway embankment and power cables near the airfield perimeter prevented the pilot from performing another go-around. Consequently, the aircraft overran the end of the runway and came to a stop in a ploughed field. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board.
The investigation
The investigation examined the approach characteristics and the physical layout of the airfield. It was established that while the second approach appeared correct, the touchdown point was too far down the runway's length. The investigation also noted the structural constraints of the airfield, specifically the proximity of the railway embankment and power lines, which limited the pilot's options for maneuvering once the approach was deemed unstable.
Findings
- The aircraft touched down at a distance from the end of the runway that left insufficient room for stopping.
- The touchdown occurred on the downslope of the runway, contributing to the inability to halt before the runway end.
- Physical obstructions, including power cables and a railway embankment, restricted the possibility of a missed approach.