Occurrence
On 7 April 2024, at 09:52 UTC, a Piper PA-28-181 Archer II was on approach to runway 23 at Spa/La Sauvenière airfield (EBSP) when it collided with a tree. The left wing struck the tree, causing substantial damage. The aircraft continued to land safely on runway 23. There were no injuries among the three occupants.
Contextual Information
The pilot, a 61-year-old PPL(A) holder with a SEP (land) rating, had accumulated 355:25 flight hours, primarily on the Piper PA-28. His last flight was a 48-minute refresher with an instructor on 22 March 2024. He flew an average of 10 to 15 hours per year. The aircraft, a 1983 Piper PA-28-181 Archer II, was registered by the Belgian CAA and had a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate until 15 July 2024. It was equipped with a Lycoming O-360-A4M engine and a fixed-pitch propeller.
The meteorological conditions reported by the airfield were: wind 210 degrees at 13 knots, temperature 16°C, dewpoint 8°C, QNH 1017 hPa. The pilot had been advised by an instructor that the wind was turbulent and a go-around should be considered if necessary.
Analysis
Using recorded data from the pilot's SkyDemon software, the approach flight path was reconstructed. At the point of impact, the aircraft was approximately 500 metres from the runway threshold, flying well below the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS), which has a 5% (3°) inclination. The tree line, located 400 metres from the runway edge, was found to have a clearance of 8 to 14 metres above the OLS, meaning no obstacle protruded through the surface.
The pilot reported sitting lower than usual despite having the seat at maximum height. He normally used a cushion, which was not on board that day. This lower seating position may have influenced his perception of the flight path angle, and the instrument panel may have partially obstructed forward vision. Selection of full flaps at the beginning of final did not play a role in the accident.
Findings
The investigation identified the following findings as to causes and contributing factors:
- The pilot had low recent experience; his last flight as PIC was in November 2023, though he completed a refresher flight two weeks prior.
- Recorded data showed the approach slope was lower than 3° from the horizontal.
- The pilot's lower sitting position may have influenced his appreciation of the flight path.
No safety recommendations were issued.