What happened
On 22 May 2011, a Britten-Norman BN2A-26 Islander, registration VP-MON, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Antigua to Montserrat. During the approach to Runway 28, the pilot requested to use this runway despite a change in wind direction. After the initial touchdown, the aircraft skidded upon application of the brakes. The pilot opted for a touch-and-go maneuver to attempt a second approach.
During the second landing attempt, the aircraft skidded again immediately after the brakes were applied. Fearing the aircraft would run off the end of the paved surface, the pilot steered the aircraft onto the grass verge. The aircraft came to rest 46 metres beyond the end of the runway. There were no injuries to the 7 passengers or the crew, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the runway surface and weather conditions, noting that the runway was damp and recent rain had occurred. The pilot' and witnesses observed that the aircraft landed near the runway threshold marker. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's recent experience, noting that while the pilot had significant hours on type, this was their first landing on Runway 28 since beginning work for the operator.
Technical inspections of the aircraft's braking system were conducted. The investigation also looked into the aerodrome's wind monitoring equipment and friction testing procedures. It was noted that the airport's continuous friction measuring device had not been recently used due to a lack of trained personnel.
Findings
- The runway surface was damp at the time of the incident.
- The pilot experienced a skid on the initial application of the brakes during the second approach.
- The pilot steered the aircraft onto the grass verge to avoid an overrun.
- The aerodrome's wind monitoring equipment was partially limited in its capability.
- There was a lack of trained personnel to operate the runway friction measuring equipment.