What happened
On 16 July 2001, a Socata TB1ob Tobago, registration G-BHDE, was performing a private flight from Liverpool to Caernarfon Airport. Upon arrival, the pilot performed a low approach and a go-around to visually confirm the runway in use and wind conditions, as no air-ground radio service was active. Following this, the pilot commenced a right-hand circuit for a full-stop landing.
During the final approach, the aircraft was configured with full flaps and a fine pitch propeller. The aircraft touched down on Runway 26 at a point just past the intersection with a disused runway. Realising the ground speed was high, the pilot attempted to decelerate using the brakes. As the aircraft approached the end of the paved surface, the front seat occupants also applied significant braking force. This caused the main wheels to lock, reducing the effectiveness of the deceleration and causing the aircraft to skid off the runway. The aircraft subsequently struck fence posts and barbed wire in the overrun area. There were no injuries to the four occupants, though the aircraft sustained propeller damage and dents to both wings.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition and the environmental factors present during the landing. Engineering inspections of the Socata TB10 Tobago found no technical malfunctions that could have contributed to the overrun. Witnesses on the airfield noted that the aircraft appeared to touch down a significant distance down the runway. Heavy skid marks were also observed near the end of the available runway surface.
Meteorological data from nearby RAF Valley suggested that the wind conditions at the time of the accident were likely from the east or northeast, rather than the southwesterly wind the pilot had initially estimated during the go-around.