What happened
On 19 April 2016, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-BNXE, was performing a private flight at Sturgate Airfield in Lincolnshire. While approaching Runway 27, the pilot noted that the wind was light and variable, estimating a strength of approximately 4 knots based on radio calls that had gone unanswered.
During the final approach, the pilot attempted to manage the descent profile to comply with local noise abatement procedures over nearby residential areas. To compensate for being slightly high on the approach, the pilot deployed two stages of flaps. Upon touchdown, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of wind, causing the aircraft to float significantly further down the runway than anticipated. Consequently, the aircraft ran off the end of the asphalt surface and entered a field of ploughed land at an estimated speed of 5 mph. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the aircraft's performance during the landing phase and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. The inspection of the aircraft revealed damage to the propeller and the front and right wheel fairings, as well as evidence that the engine had been shock-loaded.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the unexpectedly calm wind conditions at the moment of touchdown, which led to an extended float.
- The aircraft's descent profile was influenced by the pilot's efforts to adhere to noise abatement protocols.
- The runway surface was dry asphalt, and the aircraft exited the runway into ploughed earth.