What happened
On August 6, 2010, a Piper PA 28-181 departed from Paderborn-Lippstadt Airport (EDLP) for a VFR flight to Kiel-Holtenau (EDHK). During the flight, the pilot contacted Flight Information Service (FIS) at 10:29 AM to report engine problems while positioned near Lauenbrück (EDHU). Following air traffic control guidance, the pilot proceeded toward Lauen and reported visual contact with the airfield at 10:35 AM.
The pilot attempted a landing on the grass runway at Lauenbrück, which was not in active operation at the time. During the final approach, the engine experienced a loss of power. In an attempt to compensate for this power loss by increasing throttle, the aircraft gained excessive speed. The initial touchdown caused the aircraft to bounce. During the subsequent second touchdown, the nose gear collapsed, causing the propeller to strike the ground.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft, the pilot's credentials, and the engine components. The aircraft, a metal low-wing design manufactured in 2000, had undergone a 50-hour inspection in late July 2010. Investigators examined the wreckage at the accident site, noting that the aircraft came to rest approximately 320 meters past the runway threshold. The investigation specifically focused on the engine's upper spark plug of the front left cylinder, where burn residues were discovered between the electrodes.
Findings
- The primary cause of the landing accident was the pilot's attempt to compensate for engine power loss with increased throttle, which resulted in excessive airspeed.
- The aircraft sustained heavy damage to the nose gear and propeller.
- There were no fatalities or injuries resulting from the event.