Narrative
During arrival at 0540:31, the captain was cleared for an RNAV runway 05 approach and instructed to contact London FSS on 121.6 MHz immediately. However, the captain did not make the radio call until approximately three minutes later. The aircraft broke out of the weather at about 1,000 feet and 1 mile from the airport, before the radio call was made. At that time, the runway lights were not on.
The captain then advised the FSS to turn on the runway lights and executed a left pattern to circle back for landing. During the subsequent approach, the aircraft was high and fast on final approach and touched down long. The first officer recommended that the captain perform a go-around, but the captain elected to continue the landing. When the captain realized that the aircraft would not be able to stop on the remaining runway, he retracted the landing gear. The aircraft then slid off the end of the runway, went over an embankment, became airborne for approximately 140 feet, and impacted in a large ravine area.
The weight manifest was found to be in error. After allowing for a 500 lb fuel burnoff, the landing weight was estimated to be 14,668 lbs. The maximum gross weight limit was 14,500 lbs. All three occupants were injured.
Probable Cause Findings
The official probable cause is documented as two occurrences:
Occurrence #1: Miscellaneous/Other
- Phase of operation: Approach – FAF/outer marker to threshold (IFR)
- Findings:
1. Aircraft weight and balance – exceeded 2. Weather condition – low ceiling 3. Weather condition – fog 4. Weather condition – rain 5. Weather condition – dark night 6. Radio communications – delayed – pilot in command 7. Airport facilities, runway edge lights – not operating 8. Missed approach
Occurrence #2: Overrun
- Phase of operation: Landing – roll
- Findings:
9. Planned approach – initiated 10. Proper touchdown point – not attained – pilot in command 11. Airspeed – excessive – pilot in command 12. Airport facilities, runway/landing area condition – wet 13. Go-around – not performed – pilot in command
Occurrence #3: Gear Collapsed
- Phase of operation: Landing
- Findings:
14. Gear retraction – intentional – pilot in command 15. Terrain condition – rough/uneven