History of the Flight
The aircraft, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior III (G-COVB), departed Coventry Airport at 1055 hrs UTC on 23 February 2015 for a Licence Proficiency Check flight. The crew comprised a Flight Examiner and a pilot under check acting as handling pilot. After initial general handling at about 3,000 ft, the handling pilot was presented with a simulated engine failure and selected Shotteswell Airfield for a practice forced landing. It had been briefed that a go-around would be flown from not lower than 300 ft. The airstrip, 700 m long and orientated 15/33, was approached using Runway 33 via a left hand circuit. At about 500 ft, the aircraft entered severe turbulence in a strong crosswind, and the pilot could not prevent a rapid descent. The right wing struck the ground, causing the aircraft to cartwheel. First ground marks were found about 30 m left of Runway 33. The aircraft came to rest inverted at the runway edge. Both occupants were conscious and exited through a gap in the right windscreen area. One crew member suffered serious injury; the aircraft was destroyed.
Meteorological Information
Wind reports from Coventry Airport, 16 nm north, indicated increasing winds after departure. At 1050 hrs, wind was 230° at 17 kt. By 1150 hrs, it was 19 kt with gusts to 30 kt and directional variations. The Met Office forecast issued at 0802 hrs predicted surface wind 230° at 12 kt, with a 30% probability of increase to 15 kt gusting 25 kt associated with rain and snow showers.
Conclusion
The aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions while flying a practice forced landing profile. The conditions created a situation beyond the crew's ability to deal with effectively, resulting in a loss of control at a critical stage of the flight.