What happened
On 6 September 2001, a Piper PA-38-112, registration G-BSOT, was performing a solo circuit consolidation exercise at Welshpool Airfield. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot with 26 total flying hours. Prior to this solo session, the pilot had completed a flight with a flying instructor that included visual circuits, a go-around, and an engine failure during takeoff (EFATO). The instructor had deemed the student competent to proceed with the solo task.
During the first circuit and approach on Runway 04, the aircraft encountered a surface wind of 320° at 8 knots. While the approach initially appeared normal, the aircraft began to drift to the left shortly after touchdown. Despite the application of right rudder, the pilot could not maintain the centerline. The aircraft exited the paved runway area, breached a barbed wire fence, and came to a stop on the grass to the left of the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to the engine cowling, both wings, and the main landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of events following the touchdown and the pilot's attempts to maintain directional control. The investigation confirmed that the student pilot had been undergoing training specifically for solo circuits at the airfield and had recently completed a supervised session with an instructor.