What happened
On September 4, 1999, at approximately 12:00 local time, a Cessna 172 M, registered F-GBOM, was performing a series of touch-and-go landings at the Ruoms aerodrome. The flight was being conducted by a pilot with 442 total flight hours, accompanied by one passenger. The aircraft was operating on runway 19, an unpaved strip measuring 830 by 60 meters.
During the final approach, the pilot noted that the aircraft's speed was high while configured with 10 degrees of flaps. In an attempt to reduce speed, the pilot transitioned to 20 degrees of flaps. The subsequent flare resulted in the aircraft touching down at the midpoint of the runway. Following the touchdown, the pilot retracted the carburetor heat, retracted the flaps to the first notch, and applied power to execute the planned touch-and-go maneuver.
Approximately two seconds after applying power, the pilot realized that the remaining runway length and the aircraft's airspeed were insufficient for a safe takeoff. The pilot attempted to brake and pull back on the control column to prevent an overrun; however, the aircraft exceeded the end of the runway. The main landing gear struck a tree stump, and the aircraft eventually came to a stop in a hedge.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of maneuvers performed during the touch-and-go attempt and the pilot's management of airspeed and runway distance. Investigators examined the aircraft's configuration, specifically the use of flaps during the approach and the subsequent power application. The investigation also considered the environmental conditions, which were characterized by light, variable winds between 8 and 12 knots and good visibility.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained heavy damage during the excursion.
- There were no fatalities and no injuries reported among the two occupants.
- The primary cause of the accident was an inappropriate decision regarding the continuation of the touch-and-go maneuver despite insufficient runway length and airspeed.