What happened
On 10 September 2001, a Piper Aircraft Corporation PA 28 Warrior, registration G-RVRA, was conducting a private flight at Welshpool Airfield. While performing the circuit, the pilot completed downwind checks and configured the aircraft with the first stage of flaps before turning onto final approach for Runway 04. At the time, the surface wind was reported as variable, generally from 330° at 14 knots.
To maintain the extended centerline, the pilot flew a heading slightly to the left of the runway direction at an indicated airspeed of 75 kt. As the aircraft cleared the trees preceding the runway threshold, it experienced a sudden reduction in speed and altitude. Although the pilot attempted to compensate by rapidly increasing power, the aircraft struck the runway with significant force. The impact caused the nose landing gear wheel to detach, leading to the propeller contacting the runway surface. The aircraft subsequently skidded to a stop.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The impact resulted in one minor injury to the pilot, who sustained a small wound to the head when his spectacles were forced into his eyebrow during the deceleration. The aircraft sustained damage including a bent propeller and a collapsed nose landing gear.
Findings
- The primary cause of the heavy touchdown was wind variations during the approach, which led to a sudden loss of airspeed and altitude that was not corrected with sufficient promptness via power application.
- The pilot's head injury was attributed to the fact that while the safety harness was secured, it had not been tightened, allowing for excessive head movement during the sudden deceleration.