Synopsis
The Piper PA-28-181 (Archer II), registration G-BHNO, was involved in an accident at Milltownpass Airstrip, County Westmeath, Ireland, on 28 June 2022. The aircraft touched down on Runway 24 in gusty conditions, departed the right side of the runway, entered rough ground, and struck a wooden post with its right wing. The aircraft pivoted approximately 180 degrees before coming to rest. It sustained substantial damage. The pilot, who was the only person on board, was uninjured and exited the aircraft unaided. There was no fire.
History of the Flight
The aircraft departed Wolverhampton/Halfpenny Green Airport (EGBO) in the United Kingdom at approximately 11:28 UTC for a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight to Milltownpass Airstrip. Prior to departure, the pilot obtained weather information indicating strong winds in the Milltownpass area. En route, the pilot listened to the Dublin Airport Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS). As the pilot neared Milltownpass, he closed his flight plan by radio with Dublin Flight Information Service (FIS).
The pilot, who regularly operated to Milltownpass, performed an overhead join procedure rather than a straight-in approach for Runway 24. He flew on a south-westerly track north of the runway, then turned onto crosswind, downwind, base legs, and finally onto final approach. The pilot stated that this was his preferred arrival procedure, allowing him to assess the airstrip's condition and check for obstacles. During the final approach, he noticed the wind was stronger than expected, and the aircraft had drifted right of the extended centreline and was slightly above the ideal approach path. To regain the centreline and correct the approach path, he performed a side slip manoeuvre before crabbing the aircraft into wind during the latter stage of the approach.
The aircraft touched down to the right of the centreline approximately 105 metres after the threshold of Runway 24. During the landing roll, a gust of wind hit the aircraft, veering it to the right. The aircraft departed the right-hand edge of the runway, entered rough ground, and its right wing struck a wooden post. The aircraft pivoted approximately 180 degrees from its original direction of travel and came to rest about 261 metres from the runway threshold. The pilot shut down the engine and exited the aircraft. He made a mobile phone call to an acquaintance who arrived to assist.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a non-expiring Private Pilot Licence (PPL) for aeroplanes, issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority on 17 August 2016. The licence included a Single Engine Piston (Land) class rating valid until 30 November 2022. He also held a Class 2 Medical Certificate valid until 14 April 2023. At the time of the accident, his total flying experience was 359 hours, of which 250 hours were on the accident aircraft type. He had flown 22 hours in the previous 90 days, 6 hours in the previous 28 days, and no hours in the previous 24 hours.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-181 (Archer II), serial number 28-8090211, manufactured in 1980. It was powered by one Lycoming O-360-A4M engine. The aircraft was operated privately.
Damage to Aircraft
Following the accident, the aircraft was removed to another location on the airstrip before the AAIU was notified. The leading edge of the right wing sustained significant damage, and the right wing partially separated from the wing root. The anti-servo tab on the left elevator sustained significant crush damage. There was damage to the right trailing edge flap and adjacent fuselage due to rearward movement of the right wing during the accident.
Injuries to Persons
No injuries were reported.
Investigation
The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) was notified by the pilot on 30 June 2022, two days after the accident. Two Inspectors of Air Accidents deployed to the site to commence an investigation. The investigation included an interview with the pilot, an inspection of the aircraft, and a review of flight documentation.