Landing Incident
On 10 July 1998 at 1930 UTC, a Piper PA-22-160 (registration G-ARDV, year of manufacture 1960) operated by a private pilot experienced a ground incident during landing at Ballymena, Northern Ireland. The aircraft was equipped with one Lycoming O-320-B2B piston engine.
The pilot, who held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 70 hours total flying experience (19 on type), was landing for the first time at his private strip under zero wind conditions. The landing run available was 650 metres of short, wet grass.
The aircraft touched down 100 metres into the strip. The pilot allowed the aircraft to roll for a further 200 metres before applying light braking. As brake pressure was increased, the wheels began to skid, causing the aircraft to run into soft ground at the end of the field. At low speed, the aircraft tipped onto its nose.
The propeller and nosewheel sustained damage. The pilot reported no injuries.
According to the pilot, the cause of the accident was his late application of the brakes after landing further down the strip than intended.