Accident Overview
On 24 May 1998 at 1015 UTC, a Piper PA-22-160, registration G-ARHU, was involved in an accident at Breighton, near Selby, Yorkshire. The aircraft, manufactured in 1960 and equipped with one Lycoming O-320-B2B piston engine, was being operated as a private flight with only the pilot on board.
Flight and Impact
The aircraft departed from Runway 29, which has dimensions of 575 by 30 metres, under calm CAVOK conditions. After takeoff, the pilot executed a teardrop turn with the intention of landing on Runway 11. However, during the final approach, the aircraft collided with power cables on short finals and subsequently crashed. The Pooley's Flight Guide entry for Breighton airfield includes a caution regarding the presence of power cables on the western approach.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot, despite being restrained by a lap-strap attached to the airframe and shoulder straps attached to the seat, suffered serious injuries when the seat detached from the surrounding structure during impact. The aircraft sustained damage beyond economic repair.
Investigation Limitations
Due to memory loss resulting from his injuries, the pilot was unable to provide more precise details about the accident sequence. The investigation relied primarily on the aircraft accident report form submitted by the pilot.