AAIB investigation to Cessna C208B Super Cargomaster, N967FE
Runway excursion, Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, 23 September 2020.
Summary:
The pilot was operating a cargo flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Tortola, British Virgin Islands. He discontinued the first approach due to poor weather. Following the second approach the aircraft made a hard landing that was 795 m beyond the threshold of the 1,206 m runway. During the landing roll the aircraft veered off the runway damaging the wheels, landing gear and baggage pod.
Data from the aircraft showed that the approach did not meet the operator’s stable approach criteria. It also showed that the engine was running below the normal flight idle speed during the last few moments of the flight. Examination and testing found no evidence of anomalies with the engine. It was not possible to determine why the engine was operating below the normal idle speed whilst in flight.
It is likely that the pilot was experiencing high workload due to the unstable approach and poor weather and this may have limited his ability to deal with the situation. The operator intends to update its operations manual to state explicitly the altitude by which stable approach criteria must be achieved for all types of approach.
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