Incident Overview
On 6 June 2014 at 1630 hours, a Piper PA-32-300 Cherokee Six, registration G-CDUX, was landing on Runway 04 at Newtownards Airport, County Down. The aircraft was operated on a private flight with one pilot and five passengers; no injuries were reported.
Weather and Conditions
The surface wind at the time was 15 kt from 130°, creating a 15 kt crosswind from the right. Agricultural machinery was operating in the field directly to the left of the runway. The pilot reported encountering turbulence during the final 200 ft of the approach.
Landing Sequence
The pilot employed the 'crab' technique to compensate for the crosswind. During the flare, as he aligned the aircraft with the runway and lowered the into-wind wing, the wingtip struck the runway surface. This resulted in a loss of directional control, causing the aircraft to depart the runway and collide with a fence.
Damage and Injuries
The accident caused extensive damage to the left wing, fuselage, tailplane, and propeller. Despite the substantial damage, the pilot and all five passengers vacated the aircraft without injury.
Pilot's Account
The pilot, aged 69, held a Private Pilot's Licence with 2,036 hours total flying experience (379 hours on type). He attributed the accident to distraction caused by the turbulence and the nearby agricultural activity, which led him to over-compensate for the effects of the crosswind.
Investigation Source
This article is based on information from the AAIB Bulletin 9/2014, entry G-CDUX (EW/G2014/06/07), submitted via an Aircraft Accident Report Form by the pilot.