What happened
During a flight at Breda International Airport, a pilot conducted an approach and landing characterized by excessive speed and an improper flight path. The pilot initially flew the downwind leg at an altitude exceeding the prescribed limits set by the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). To compensate for this altitude, the pilot extended the final approach to reduce both height and velocity. However, the aircraft maintained significant power upon touchdown. The aircraft's nose wheel made contact with the runway before the first intersection following the threshold. Due to the high speed, the aircraft could not be stopped within the remaining runway length, eventually exiting the runway on the south side. The excursion caused the aircraft to strike airport fencing, a pole, and a tree, before finally coming to rest in a meadow. The aircraft sustained severe damage, including the complete detachment of the right wing.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot was flying at an altitude higher than the 730 feet AMSL prescribed for the Breda circuit, citing a preference for better visibility over trees. While the pilot attempted to correct the approach by lengthening the final leg, the aircraft arrived at the runway with too much energy to stop safely. The investigation found no mechanical defects in the aircraft that contributed to the event. The pilot was rescued from the wreckage by airport fire services after being unable to open the door due to the structural damage.
Findings
- The primary cause of the runway excursion was the pilot performing the landing at a high speed and failing to initiate a go-around when the approach became unsafe.
- The approach was preceded by a violation of prescribed circuit altitudes, which increased the difficulty of managing the descent.
- The lack of significant wind at the time of the incident meant the aircraft lacked the aerodynamic assistance needed to decelerate effectively.