What happened
On June 15, 2010, a Piper PA 28-140 departed from Weser-Wümme (EDWM) for a VFR flight to Herzogenaurach (EDQH). The flight lasted approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, the pilot established a position in the downwind leg for runway 08 at an altitude of 1,900 feet, utilizing full flaps with the approach speed within normal parameters.
The aircraft touched down approximately 120 to 140 meters before the end of the runway. While the pilot attempted to vacate the runway via taxiway A, which branches off to the right at a right angle, the left wing of the aircraft collided with an airfield lighting unit. Following this impact, the aircraft slid into a grassy ditch.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft, the pilot's credentials, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The aircraft, a metal low-wing design, was operated by a club and had undergone its most recent airworthiness inspection in April 2010. The pilot was a highly experienced flyer with 469 total flight hours and significant experience on this specific model. Meteorological data confirmed VFR conditions with visibility exceeding 20 km and light winds.
Physical examination of the aircraft revealed that the left wing was deformed, the nose gear had collapsed, and the propeller was bent. The accident site was identified as a ditch approximately one meter deep, located east of taxiway A and roughly 20 meters left of the runway centerline.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained heavy damage to the airframe and propeller.
- One person sustained slight injuries during the event.
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision between the left wing and an airfield light during the runway exit maneuver.