What happened
On July 6, 2008, a Beech F90, registration D-ITLL, was conducting a private flight from Verona Villafranca, Italy, to Saanen, Switzerland. The flight, which carried two crew members and four passengers, transitioned from IFR to VFR flight rules during the descent.
As the aircraft approached runway 26 at Saanen, the approach was characterized by excessive altitude and speed. The aircraft touched down approximately 400 meters past the displaced threshold, with a second contact occurring 100 meters later. Despite the application of brakes and reverse thrust, the aircraft failed to stop before the end of the runway. The aircraft exited the paved surface, crossed a grassy area, and ultimately collided with a hedge. While the aircraft sustained heavy damage, there were no injuries among the occupants.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight path, the technical condition of the aircraft, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators analyzed brake marks on the runway, which indicated that the pilot had applied the brakes while the aircraft was still airborne. The investigation also looked into the tire condition, specifically noting a phenomenon of rubber devulcanization that contributed to aquaplaning. The crew's experience and the lack of a prior briefing for the Saanen airfield were also reviewed.
Findings
- The pilot executed an unstabilized approach with excessive energy, characterized by a high angle and high speed.
- The pilot failed to initiate a go-around despite the unstable approach parameters.
- Aquaplaning occurred due to the presence of a thin film of water on the runway and the specific condition of the tire rubber.
- The pilot's attention was focused on stopping the aircraft before the runway end rather than managing the approach stability.
- The aircraft's landing was too long, leaving insufficient distance to decelerate on the remaining wet pavement.