What happened
On 30 October 2014, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration G-COLH, was conducting a private flight from Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield to Full Sutton Airfield in Yorkshire. During the final approach to Runway 04, the aircraft encountered a flock of birds between 100 and 150 feet above the ground. The strike involved at least two birds, with one hitting the propeller and another impacting the left wing, leaving debris on the passenger-side windscreen.
Following the impact, the pilot continued the approach. The aircraft touched down significantly further down the runway than intended, specifically beyond a hard taxiway crossing. Due to the recent rain, the grass surface was soft and wet. Despite the application of wheel brakes, the aircraft skidded on the grass and failed to decelerate sufficiently. The aircraft overran the runway and entered an adjacent field, where it struck uneven ground and overturned. The crew and two passengers evacuated the aircraft; while the pilot and one passenger were unhurt, the second passenger sustained one serious injury (a hairline fracture).
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's performance capabilities and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The aircraft was operating at approximately 872 kg, which was 10% below its maximum permitted mass. Investigators analyzed the landing distance requirements, noting that while the manufacturer's manual provides performance data for paved runways in ideal conditions, the actual conditions at Full Sutton required significant adjustments. Factors included the wet, soft grass, a potential tailwind component, and the increased approach speed of 75 kt.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to continue the approach following the bird strike resulted in a touchdown point that left insufficient runway for stopping.
- The primary cause was the combination of a long touchdown and insufficient braking action on the wet, soft grass surface.
- The unexpected nature of the bird strike likely contributed to the pilot's decision-making process during the critical phase of flight.
- Environmental factors, including the wet grass and a possible tailwind, significantly increased the required landing distance beyond the available runway length.