What happened
On 1 November 2014, a Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II, registration G-TALE, was performing a private flight when it experienced a landing accident at Blackbusle Airport, Surrey. During the approach to Runway 25, the aircraft was positioned high above the glide path. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced off the runway surface.
The pilot attempted to stabilize the aircraft, believing the throttle was fully closed. However, the aircraft bounced a second time, gaining altitude before pitching nose-down. During this nose-down movement, the propeller made contact with the ground. Following several further bounces, the aircraft veered right, exiting the runway and coming to a stop on the grass near a hedge. There were no injuries to the pilot or the three passengers on board, though the aircraft sustained damage to the engine mount, nosewheel leg, and propeller.
The investigation
Investigators examined the mechanical state of the aircraft following the incident. The pilot noted that after the initial sequence of bounces, the throttle lever became stuck approximately two inches in the open position and could not be moved to the closed position. To mitigate risks, the pilot shut down the electrical systems and closed the fuel mixture.
Technical examination revealed that the throttle had jammed due to damage sustained by the nosewheel leg during the landing sequence. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's decision-making process regarding the decision to continue the landing attempt rather than executing a go-around.