Introduction
On 26 May 2014 at 1600 UTC, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-BODB, experienced a runway excursion while landing at Sandtoft Airfield, Lincolnshire. The aircraft was operated on a private flight with one pilot and two passengers on board. No injuries were reported.
Sequence of Events
After touching down, the aircraft began to drift toward the left shoulder of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct the drift by applying braking and using opposite rudder. However, the drift increased, and the aircraft departed the side of the runway, coming to rest in a shallow ditch at some distance from the runway.
The aircraft sustained damage to the engine, propeller, panels, and landing gear.
Investigation
The pilot, aged 65, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 157 flying hours, all on the accident aircraft type. In the previous 90 days, he had logged 6 hours, with 2 hours in the last 28 days.
In the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted to the AAIB, the pilot attributed the accident to a combination of a damp runway surface and using excessive braking during the early stages of the drift.