What happened
On 13 January 2009, a Vol Mediterrani VM-1 Esqual, registration PH-GCJ, was conducting a private flight when it experienced a loss of directional control during its landing phase at Ludham Airfield, Norfolk. The aircraft approached Runway 25 with an estimated wind speed of 5 knots from the west.
The pilot completed the landing fairly well into the runway; however, during the subsequent braking phase, the main wheels locked up. This caused the aircraft to run off the right side of the runway, approximately 110 metres from the upwind end. The aircraft, which featured a castoring nosewheel, eventually came to a stop in a cultivated field through the use of differential braking. There were no injuries to the pilot, and the damage was restricted to the aircraft's main landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation examined the conditions of the runway and the pilot's actions during the landing roll. It was noted that Runway 25, a 459-metre concrete runway, was damp at the time of the occurrence. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's recent flying experience and the decision-making process leading up to the landing.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the locking of the main wheels during braking.
- An early decision to proceed with the landing rather than performing a go-around contributed to the event.
- A lack of recent experience in ground handling maneuvers was a contributing factor.