Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft, a Piper PA-22-160 Tri-Pacer registered G-BTLM, was manufactured in 1958 and powered by a Lycoming O-320-B2A piston engine. The private flight originated from Fenland airfield and concluded at Leicester Airport. The commander, aged 61, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had a total flying experience of 365 hours, including 160 hours on type. The flight had one crew member and one passenger on board; no injuries were reported.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft was landing on the asphalt Runway 28 at approximately 1245 UTC. The surface wind was estimated from 210° at 5 kt. According to the pilot, after touchdown he was unable to prevent the aircraft from swinging to the left. The swing culminated in the aircraft leaving the runway at about 90° to the intended track. The aircraft then ran onto a grass area outside the designated manoeuvring area, where it encountered ruts, possibly left by vehicle tyres. Upon crossing the ruts, the aircraft turned a further 90° to the left, catching the tailwheel and bending the sternpost.
Damage
The sole damage noted was a bent tailwheel attachment sternpost.
Pilot's Remarks
The pilot considered that the aircraft may have landed tailwheel first, such that sideways drift could have caused the tailwheel to castor on contact with the runway, resulting in a loss of directional control.