What happened
On 10 July 2020, a Piper PA-28-161, registration G-BJCA, was conducting a private flight at Shoreham Airport, West Sussex. The flight was intended as a local handling session following a four-month hiatus from flying due to public health restrictions.
During the approach to Runway 02, the aircraft encountered wind conditions from approximately 300° at 11 knots, accompanied by turbulence from thermal activity. The aircraft touched down further down the runway and left of the centerline. The landing was characterized by the nosewheel making contact with the surface before the main landing gear. Following this touchdown, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control, with the nose swinging to the left. This caused the aircraft to depart the paved runway and move onto the adjacent grass area. The pilot immediately applied full power, and the aircraft became airborne again after three seconds. A subsequent approach and landing were completed without further incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight circumstances and aircraft performance. While the pilot did not recall approaching at an unusual speed, analysis of video footage revealed that the aircraft's airspeed was approximately 64 kt as it crossed the runway threshold, which was significantly higher than the 39 kt touchdown speed specified in the performance charts for the aircraft's weight.
The investigation also reviewed the mechanics of the landing roll, specifically the phenomenon of wheel barrowing, where weight is concentrated on the nosewheel. The investigators noted that the aircraft's behavior aligned with established descriptions of this condition, where a simultaneous touchdown of the main and nose wheels at excessive speeds can lead to a loss of control.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was excessive airspeed on final approach, which likely prompted nosedown pitch inputs from the pilot.
- The aircraft experienced a nosewheel-first touchdown, a condition known as wheel barrowing.
- The presence of a crosswind contributed to the directional instability of the aircraft once the nosewheel made contact.
- There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft.