What happened
On May 26, 2001, at approximately 17:00, a Piper PA 28-181 Archer 2, registration F-GHJT, was performing a local flight at Laon Aerodrome. The aircraft was operated by a flying club. During the approach to runway 35, the pilot, who held a PPL and had 158 total flight hours, identified that the aircraft was too high and too fast on final approach.
In an attempt to correct the flight path, the pilot reduced power and transitioned to a nose-down attitude, subsequently extending the flaps to the second notch. By 150 feet above the ground, the aircraft's speed was slightly above the recommended values specified in the flight manual. During the flare, the pilot experienced a rapid change in pitch, causing the aircraft to lift off the ground without making contact. After a delay in re-establishing the flare, the aircraft struck the unpaved runway surface with significant force in a three-point landing, causing the aircraft to bounce. The pilot managed to regain control and taxied the aircraft to the parking area, where damage was discovered.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight parameters during the final approach and the execution of the landing maneuver. The investigation established the aircraft's configuration, noting that the flaps were extended and the pitch trim was set for a slight nose-up attitude prior to the instability. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were reported as calm winds with CAVOK visibility.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage including a collapsed nose landing gear and bent propeller blades.
- The landing was characterized by an unstable final approach.
- The pilot failed to maintain a stabilized approach, specifically regarding altitude and airspeed.
- The flare maneuver was executed with an inappropriate pitch adjustment, leading to a hard impact.