What happened
On 15 May 2015, a Piper PA-28-236 Dakota, registration G-FRGN, was performing a private flight when it departed the runway at North Moreton Airfield, Oxfordshire. During the approach to Runway 35, which was subject to a 10 kt wind from 240°, the pilot began the landing sequence at an excessive altitude and airspeed. This resulted in the aircraft touching down too far down the runway. The aircraft continued along the surface until it struck a mound located to the right of the runway.
While the pilot escaped the incident without injury, the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The impact affected the propeller, engine, nose gear, wing, fuselage, and landing gear.
The investigation
Following the event, the AAIB examined the circumstances surrounding the landing. The investigation relied on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. The inquiry established that the flight parameters during the final approach were not stabilized, leading to the long touchdown. The pilot noted that the aircraft was too high and traveling too fast for a standard landing.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was an unstable approach characterized by excessive height and speed.
- The pilot identified that performing a go-around would have been the most appropriate corrective action to prevent the excursion.