What happened
On 13 March 2018, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-BTAW, was conducting a private flight that included a stop at Kirkbride Airfield. After arriving at Kirkbride, the pilot and passenger decided to alter their planned route to Prestwick due to low cloud cover. Instead, they chose to fly along the coast toward Castle Kennedy Airfield.
During the approach to Castle Kennedy, the pilot used the SAFETYCOM frequency to broadcast intentions. As the aircraft entered the flare, the pilot noticed an object near the runway threshold, which appeared to be a cross on a flag lying flat on the tarmac. Believing the runway was clear, the pilot completed the landing. Upon engine shutdown, personnel from a kite technology company, who were operating at the airfield, informed the pilot that the runway was actually closed.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot had not consulted NOTAMs or obtained the required Prior Permission Required (PPR) for the new destination. While the airfield was being used for kite power technology testing, a large 3m by 3.2m red and yellow cross had been placed at the runway threshold to indicate the closure.
Although staff members were monitoring the SAFETYCOM frequency and were able to clear the runway of personnel in time for the landing, the investigation noted that the timing was critical. Had the full-sized kite been in operation, the 3.5-minute window between the pilot's first broadcast and touchdown would have been insufficient to safely retract the equipment and lower the kite.
Findings
- The pilot changed the flight route due to weather but failed to check NOTAMs or secure PPR for the new destination.
- The pilot did not notice the runway closure markings during the initial approach due to the angle of descent.
- The kite company's markings were placed flat on the runway, which may have reduced visibility.
- The pilot's inability to access digital aeronautical information at Kirkbride was due to poor mobile data signal.