Event
On 11 September 2016 at 2020 UTC, a Piper PA-32R-300 Cherokee Lance, registration G-BDWP, was on approach to Runway 06 at Bagby (Thirsk) Airfield, Yorkshire. The flight was private with only the pilot on board. The pilot reported that during the approach, with a slight tailwind, he realized he was too low. He applied power but touched down in the field short of the runway threshold. The transition from the field to the runway was not smooth, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Piper PA-32R-300 Cherokee Lance, serial number 32R-7680176, was manufactured in 1976. It was equipped with one Lycoming IO-540-K1G5D piston engine. The pilot, aged 60, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 2,299 flying hours, of which 1,901 were on type. In the previous 90 days he had flown 29 hours, and 11 hours in the last 28 days.
Pilot’s Account
The pilot stated that he was distracted while trying to make contact with another aircraft that he believed was intending to taxi across the runway. He later learned that the other pilot was aware of his approach and had stopped clear of the runway, but was temporarily out of radio contact.
Airfield and Environmental Conditions
Runway 06 has a 2.6% upslope. The airfield information notes that this slope can create a visual illusion of being higher on the approach than actually is the case, which may lead to a low approach. In light winds, pilots typically land uphill on Runway 06 and take off downhill on Runway 24. The landing occurred at night; the pilot observed that the runway edge lighting was good, but there was no threshold lighting. Bagby Airfield is unlicensed, and CAA Publication CAP 793 – ‘Safe Operating Practices at Unlicensed Aerodromes’ recommends threshold lighting but does not require it.
Damage
The accident damaged the propeller, engine, cowling, left wing, left main landing gear, and nose landing gear. The pilot was not injured.