Overview
On 12 January 2017 at approximately 13:42 UTC, a Piper PA-28-151 (Cherokee Warrior), registration N8862F, experienced a runway excursion during landing at Codrington Airport (TAPH) in Barbuda. The aircraft was on a private visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Saint Barthelemy (TFFJ) with one pilot and three passengers on board. No injuries were sustained by any occupants.
Flight History
The flight originated from Saint Barthelemy on the morning of 12 January. As part of the procedure for entering Barbuda, the aircraft first landed in Antigua (TAPA) to clear customs and immigration. It departed Antigua at 13:07 UTC and proceeded to Codrington Airport, joining a left downwind for landing on runway 10. The pilot reported experiencing a downdraft on short final, causing the aircraft to sink and hit the ground firmly.
Injuries and Damage
None of the three passengers or the pilot sustained injuries. The aircraft sustained damage to the left main landing gear, left wing, left wing flap, and left tail plane and elevator. No damage to other property occurred.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a 1976 Piper PA-28-151 (serial number 28-7715293), held a Normal category Certificate of Airworthiness issued on 04 December 1976. The pilot, a 25-year-old male, held both French (JAA) and FAA private pilot licenses. His last proficiency check was on 28 January 2015, and his last first-class medical was on 01 June 2016.
Meteorological Information
Weather at Codrington Airport at the time included winds from the north at 12 knots, visibility of 10 km or more, and no precipitation. The pilot reported wind shear on final approach, which he described as a downdraft causing the aircraft to sink.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft hit the ground on its left main landing gear short of the runway surface, causing severe damage to that gear. The gear then contacted the edge of the runway at the threshold, resulting in its separation from the aircraft. The aircraft fell onto its left side and skidded off the runway onto the grass verge, coming to rest 646 feet from the threshold and 95 feet left of the runway centerline.
Investigation Findings
The investigation examined the aircraft, runway, and detached left main gear. The analysis stated that due to lack of experience, the pilot was unable to cope with crosswinds and downdrafts on final approach, resulting in landing short of the runway.
Safety Recommendations
The investigation noted that this was not the first accident at Codrington Airport involving landing gear damage from contacting the runway threshold edge. It recommended that the airport authority slightly raise the area immediately before the threshold to eliminate the protruding lip on runway 10.