What happened
On 13 June 2018, a Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II, registration G-USSY, was conducting a private flight from Leicester to Skegness. Upon arrival at Skegness Water Leisure Park, the pilot was unable to identify the ground markings for the intended 03/21 runway. Due to the absence of a windsock and difficulty seeing the markings, the pilot opted to land on the shorter, east-west oriented runway.
While performing a left-hand circuit at 1,000 ft agl, the pilot transitioned to final approach at 700 ft agl. Realising the approach was too long, the pilot initiated a go-around. During this manoeuvre, the aircraft struck a hedge located beyond the runway departure end, causing foliage to become entangled with the airframe. The pilot experienced significant difficulty maintaining control and preventing a stall, noting that the ailerons were behaving abnormally. After navigating around a caravan park, the pilot attempted a second landing on the same runway. This second touchdown occurred at approximately 90 KIAS. Due to insufficient braking effectiveness and the high power setting required to keep the aircraft airborne, the aircraft overran the runway and struck the same hedge. The impact blocked the aircraft doors, leaving the one crew member (minor injuries) and passenger trapped for approximately 15 minutes.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's decision-making regarding runway selection and the impact of runway identification. It was noted that the pilot had initially misidentified the runway designation as '03' when it was actually '11'. The investigation also reviewed the airfield's published information and the conditions at the time of the flight, including the lack of an active air-to-ground radio and the absence of a windsock.
Findings
- The pilot's choice of runway was influenced by a lack of visibility of ground markings and a misunderstanding of the prevailing wind direction.
- Confusion regarding runway designations and circuit directions contributed to the pilot's error in runway selection.
- The aircraft sustained damage beyond economic repair following the impact with the hedge.