Accident Details
On 1 November 2005 at 1410 UTC, a Piper PA-22-160 Tri-Pacer (registration G-BTLM, year of manufacture 1958) sustained damage during a ground loop at Tattenhill Airfield, Staffordshire. The aircraft was powered by one Lycoming O-320-B2A piston engine. The flight was private, with two crew on board and no passengers. Neither crew member was injured.
Flight History
The pilot, holder of an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence (age 48, total flying experience 12,837 hours, including 1 hour on type), was flying the aircraft with its owner with a view to purchasing it. The intention had been to use the grass runway, as tailwheel aircraft offer greater controllability on that surface, but it was unavailable. The surface wind was from 240° at 10–15 kt, and asphalt Runway 26 was used instead.
After some general handling to the west of Tattenhill, the aircraft returned to the airfield for two touch-and-go landings before a final landing. The pilot reported that the wind had become rather gusty and that trees to the left of the runway were causing some turbulence. The touch-and-go landings were completed without incident.
Landing and Aftermath
The final approach was reportedly good, in spite of the gusty wind. However, G-BTLM touched down firmly on the main wheels and bounced. On the next touchdown, the aircraft veered to the right, and the pilot attempted to maintain directional control with rudder and light left wheel braking. With the engine at idle power, the aircraft continued onto the grass to the right of the runway at an angle of 45°, then ground looped to the left, tipping onto its right wing tip in the process. It finally came to a halt on a heading of about 130°. During the ground loop, the right wing, elevator, and stern post were damaged. The crew exited the aircraft normally.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated candidly that the accident was the result of an inability to maintain directional control on touchdown. Contributory factors were his unfamiliarity with the aircraft, the gusty conditions, and operating from an asphalt runway. He concluded that, because of the aircraft's low takeoff speed, if he had applied full power and gone around as soon as the aircraft started to veer, the accident could have been prevented.