The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has determined that a high approach speed and incorrect landing profile led to a GA8 Airvan over-running the runway at Whitsunday Airport in QLD last year.
VH-IDM was returning to Whitsunday with a load of sight-seeing passengers after a one-hour flight to Hardy Reef and back in company with another aircraft. On landing at Whitsunday, the aircraft failed to stop and rolled into a marshy area at the end of runway 32.
None of the passengers nor the pilot were injured, but the aircraft was substantially damaged.
According to the ATSB investigation report released this week, the pilot approached the runway at a speed well above the approach speed, touched-down well down the runway and failed to apply maximum braking.
“The aircraft’s approach was above profile with a high airspeed,” Director Transport Safety Stuart Macleod explained. "Subsequently, the landing was beyond the planned touchdown point.
"While landing beyond the planned touchdown point, there was adequate landing distance remaining, however the pilot did not apply sufficient braking to stop the aircraft departing the runway.”
Investigators determined that the Airvan passed over the threshold at 100 feet AGL, leading to the pilot flaring 300 m beyond the threshold at a speed of 90 kt. The aircraft then floated for another 640 m before touching down with only 370 m of usable runway left.
The report notes that the pilot of the following aeroplane had asked the pilot of IDM to roll through to the end of the runway rather than back-tracking, which may influenced or distracted the pilot of IDM.
Investigators determined the pilot's understanding of the correct approach speed was wrong, and that the pilot’s initial training on the Airvan was not fully completed. The pilot had apparently been using an excessive approach speed routinely, but the operator's supervision and check-flight program failed to identify that.
Also, the operator was using a decision height for a stabilised approach that the ATSB report states was too low.
“For pilots, this accident should demonstrate the importance of accurate knowledge of your aircraft’s reference speeds, and always being prepared to promptly execute a go‑around if an approach for landing does not proceed as expected,” Macleod noted.
“In addition, routinely practicing go‑arounds will ensure the manoeuvre can be performed safely when needed.”
Investigators also found that the operator was using an incorrect method of calculating weight and balance, and that the passengers had not been weighed individually in accordance with procedures.
The full report is on the ATSB website.