What happened
On 28 June 2022, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration G-BHNO) was performing a private VFR flight from Wolverhampton/Halfpenny Green Airport in the UK to Milltownpass Airstrip in County Westmeath, Ireland. The pilot utilized an overhead join procedure to assess the airfield and check for obstacles. Upon final approach to Runway 24, the pilot noted that the wind strength was higher than anticipated, causing the aircraft to drift right of the centerline.
During the landing roll, a sudden gust of wind pushed the aircraft toward the right edge of the runway. The aircraft departed the paved/grass surface and entered rough ground, where the right wing struck a wooden post. The impact caused the aircraft to pivot approximately 180 degrees from its original direction of travel. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was uninjured and exited the aircraft without assistance. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including significant damage to the right wing root and leading edge.
The investigation
The AAIU examined the aircraft, the site, and meteorological data. Investigators found that the aircraft's maximum demonstrated crosswind was 17 knots. Meteorological aftercasts indicated that surface winds at the time of the accident could have reached gusts of 16 to 22 knots. The investigation also noted that the airstrip was unlicensed and lacked a windsock, as the existing one had been removed for repairs. Furthermore, the runway edges were poorly defined due to a lack of markings, and the surface was covered in loose gravel and encroaching vegetation.
Findings
- The aircraft touched down in gusty conditions that may have exceeded the maximum demonstrated crosswind of the aircraft.
- The lack of runway markings and ill-defined edges made it difficult to maintain the centerline.
- The absence of a windsock prevented the pilot from accurately assessing wind direction and strength during the approach.
- The runway surface was in poor condition, consisting of wet, loose stones and gravel.