Robin HR-200 Runway Excursion at Navan Airfield

Casualties unknown • IE

A Robin HR-200 aircraft overran the grass runway at Navan Airfield after a high and fast approach, resulting in a low-speed collision with a boundary fence.

What happened

On 7 November 2016, a Robin HR-200, registration G-GMKE, was returning to Navan Airfield from Weston Airport. During the approach to runway 27, the pilot noted the aircraft was approximately 150 feet above the ideal visual profile, with an airspeed between 70 and 75 knots. After hearing the stall warning horn, the pilot lowered the nose to increase speed to between 80 and 85 knots.

This higher and faster approach caused the aircraft to touch down significantly past the runway threshold. Following an initial bounce, the aircraft made subsequent contact with the runway at least halfway down its length. Although the pilot applied brakes, the aircraft continued to slide. Despite transitioning from gentle to full braking, the aircraft traveled through the overrun area and struck a boundary fence at low speed. There were no injuries to the two occupants, and the aircraft sustained minor damage to the propeller blades and the starboard wing root.

The investigation

AAIU inspectors examined the aircraft and the airfield surface at Navan Airfield. The investigation established that the grass runway was wet and had been recently mown, creating a slippery surface. Tire tracks showed pronounced skidding and scuffing. The investigators determined that the distance from the start of braking to the fence was roughly 400 meters, consisting of 250 meters of runway and 150 meters of overrun area. The pilot confirmed there were no mechanical issues with the aircraft's brakes or tires.

Probable cause

The aircraft's approach was flown higher and faster than intended, leading to a touchdown late on the runway. This, combined with a bounce and poor braking action on a wet, recently cut grass surface, made the collision with the boundary fence unavoidable.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the null aircraft accident near IE?

A Robin HR-200 aircraft overran the grass runway at Navan Airfield after a high and fast approach, resulting in a low-speed collision with a boundary fence.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on null involved a aircraft, registration HR-200, at IE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft's approach was flown higher and faster than intended, leading to a touchdown late on the runway. This, combined with a bounce and poor braking action on a wet, recently cut grass surface, made the collision with the boundary fence unavoidable.

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