What happened
On 30 April 2021, a Piper PA-28-181, registration G-JANT, was performing a private flight at Bolt Head Airfield in Devon. The pilot, seeking to avoid sun glare on the approach, opted to land on Runway 11. After an initial high approach necessitated a go-around, the pilot attempted a second approach using full flaps.
The aircraft touched down approximately 50 m past the runway threshold. Following a single bounce, the pilot applied the brakes on the damp grass surface. When the aircraft failed to decelerate as expected, the pilot released and pumped the brakes. Noticing a 4 ft high wire fence roughly 150 m ahead, the pilot initiated another go-around by applying full power and two stages of flap.
During the climb, the pilot attempted to accelerate for as long as possible before pulling back on the control stick. As the aircraft became airborne, the pilot noted a possible activation of the stall warner and pushed the stick forward to increase speed. During this maneuver, the aircraft's landing gear struck the first wire fence and a second fence located 2 m further ahead. This impact caused the nosewheel and right landing gear to detach. The aircraft then slid for approximately 300 m before coming to rest against a third field boundary fence. There were no injuries to the pilot or the three passengers.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the sequence of events and the aircraft's mechanical state. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's braking system was functioning correctly, as the pilot had verified its effectiveness during taxiing prior to departure from the origin airfield. The investigation also noted the physical damage sustained by the Piper PA-28-181, which included damage to the propeller, wings, fuselage, and undercarriage.