What happened
On 11 September 2016, at approximately 2020 UTC, a Piper PA-32R-300 Cherokee Lance, registration G-BDWP, was performing a private flight at Bagby (Thirsk) Airfield in Yorkshire. During the approach to Runway 06, the pilot noted a slight tailwind and realized the aircraft was at an insufficient altitude. Although power was applied to correct the descent, the aircraft touched down in a field located short of the runway threshold. The uneven terrain between the field and the runway caused extensive damage to the propeller, engine, cowl, left wing, and both the left and nose landing gear. The pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot was distracted during the final stages of the approach while attempting to establish radio contact with another aircraft. The pilot believed this second aircraft intended to taxi across the active runway; however, the other pilot was actually stopped clear of the runway and had simply been temporarily unavailable on the radio.
Investigators also examined the runway characteristics and lighting. Runway 06 features a 2.6% upslope, a factor that can create a visual illusion causing a pilot to believe they are higher than their actual altitude. Additionally, while the runway edge lighting was functional, the investigation noted a lack of threshold lighting. Although the airfield is unlicensed and threshold lighting is not a requirement under CAP 793, its absence may have been a contributing factor during the night operation.
Findings
- The pilot's attention was diverted by an attempt to communicate with another aircraft.
- The pilot's distraction prevented timely correction of a low approach.
- The 2.6% upslope of Runway 06 may have contributed to a visual illusion of being higher than the actual flight path.