Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-28R-201T Turbo Cherokee Arrow III, registration G-DDAY, manufactured in 1977 (serial number 28R-7703112). It was powered by a single Continental Motors Corp TSIO-360-F piston engine. The flight was a private flight with one pilot and one passenger on board. The pilot, aged 69, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had 240 hours total flying experience, including 91 hours on type. He had flown no hours in the preceding 90 or 28 days.
Accident Sequence
The pilot was conducting a 90-day revalidation flight, requiring three takeoffs and landings, and had completed two without incident. The weather was good with wind from 230° at 10 kt. During the third landing, the aircraft touched down on Runway 21 ‘on the numbers’. The pilot then reduced flap to two stages and selected full throttle. Directional control was lost, and the aircraft veered off the runway to the left. As the propeller contacted rough ground, the aircraft became airborne.
Subsequent Events and Aftermath
The aircraft became difficult to control. The pilot flew a low downwind leg to return to the airfield. Once within the airfield boundary, the aircraft became uncontrollable and struck the ground just north of Runway 27, incurring substantial damage. Both occupants were wearing lap and diagonal harnesses. The pilot was uninjured; the passenger suffered minor injuries. The aircraft was damaged beyond economic repair.
Investigation
The source of information was an Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot. The investigation concluded that the reason for the loss of directional control is not known.