Incident Overview
On 27 January 2017, a Piper PA-28R-201 aircraft, registration SP-TBK, was conducting flights at Grądy airfield (EPGY). The asphalt runway, 800 m long and 34 m wide, had been cleared of snow along its entire length but remained covered with a thin layer of icy snow. Cleared snow formed approximately 40 cm high ridges at the edges and thresholds of the runway.
Exam Flight Details
That day, a practical exam for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL(A)) was scheduled. The crew consisted of the examinee pilot and an examiner. They performed a cross-country flight, exercises in the aerodrome area, and four touch-and-go landings on runway 27. The landings were conducted in various aircraft configurations to simulate non-standard and emergency situations, testing the pilot's skills.
The final planned exercise was a simulated landing on a short runway segment, requiring the pilot to touch down as close to the runway threshold as possible.
First Landing and Go-Around
The pilot approached with too low airspeed and performed a late flare well before the runway threshold. As a result, the aircraft's wheels contacted the snow approximately 3 meters before the runway threshold and struck the snow ridge. After touchdown, the aircraft lost directional control, and the pilot decided to go around. The pilot radioed the training supervisor, who was providing operational oversight, reporting an issue with gear retraction. The supervisor instructed a low pass over the runway.
During the low pass, ground observers noted an unusual rearward displacement of the left main landing gear strut. The training supervisor suggested the pilot continue flying to burn fuel from the left tank (on the damaged side). During flight, the pilot noticed deformation of the left wing and informed the supervisor, who ordered an immediate landing on the right side of the runway, recommending engine shutdown before touchdown and landing on the right gear.
Second Landing and Final Outcome
The pilot chose to land with the engine running. Touchdown occurred before the runway threshold, to the right of the runway centerline. The aircraft again struck the snow ridge, causing the left main gear to collapse. The landing roll continued initially on the right main and nose gear, but as speed decreased, the aircraft settled onto the left wing. It came to a stop on the runway centerline, about 200 m from the threshold. The propeller did not contact the ground.
Crew and Wreckage
The crew exited the cockpit unaided, without injuries. Examination of the accident site revealed imprints of all three wheels in the snow from both landings, 3 m before the runway threshold. A broken component from the left main gear strut was found on the runway approximately 100 m from the threshold.
Causes and Contributing Factors
The investigation determined two causes: 1. Incorrect approach path, resulting in landing before the runway threshold. 2. Lack of intervention by the examiner regarding poor landing planning.
Contributing factors included: 1. A snow ridge left at the runway threshold after snow removal, positioned across the landing direction. 2. Low contrast between the cleared runway and its snow-covered surroundings.
Preventive Actions
The aircraft operator informed the training organization where the examinee pilot completed his professional training and proposed additional training for the pilot.