What happened
On 19 June 2017, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-BNZZ, was conducting a private flight at East Kirkby Airfield in Lincolnshire. During the approach, the pilot received clearance from Air Traffic Control to descend at his discretion. While maneuvering, the pilot noted that the aircraft was positioned slightly north of the extended runway centerline. During the descent, the pilot observed a vehicle moving away from him on the concrete section of the runway.
Upon touchdown, the pilot felt that the remaining runway distance was insufficient. Due to high ambient temperatures affecting the aircraft's climb performance, and the presence of personnel and vehicles nearby, the pilot opted not to perform a touch-and-go maneuver. The aircraft was unable to come to a halt on the grass portion of the strip, subsequently striking a raised kerb located at the transition point between the grass and the concrete. The impact caused damage to the aircraft's structure and landing gear. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances of the landing and the layout of East Kirkby Airfield. The airfield is an unlicensed facility situated within the Coningsby Military Aerodrome Traffic Zone, featuring an unmarked landing strip composed of both grass and concrete. The investigation noted that standard guidance for this airfield suggests using the concrete section only for emergency run-offs and recommends landing entirely on the grass.
Findings
- The pilot's approach was high, and the aircraft landed long and to the left of the unmarked runway strip.
- The pilot's inability to stop on the grass runway led to the collision with the kerb.
- The pilot noted that the information provided on the airfield plate was ambiguous.
- High ambient temperatures contributed to reduced climb performance, influencing the decision not to attempt a touch-and-go.