What happened
On 4 June 2002, a Piper PA-22-160 Tri-Pacer, registration G-BTLM, was completing a private flight from Fenland airfield. While attempting to land on the asphalt Runway 28 at Leicester Airport, the aircraft experienced a significant deviation from its intended path. Following touchdown, the pilot was unable to maintain the aircraft's centerline, causing it to swing toward the left.
The aircraft subsequently exited the runway at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the landing track. As the aircraft moved onto a grass area outside the official maneuvering area, it encountered ruts, likely created by vehicle tires. Upon striking these ruts, the aircraft underwent a further 9/0-degree turn to the left, which resulted in the tailwheel catching and causing a bent sternpost attachment.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of events leading to the excursion and the physical damage sustained by the aircraft. The examination focused on the aircraft's behavior during the landing roll and the environmental conditions of the grass area adjacent to the runway.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered ruts in the grass area outside the designated maneuvering area.
- The pilot suggested that the initial loss of directional control may have been caused by a tailwheel-first landing, which could have allowed the tailwheel to castor sideways upon contact with the runway surface.
- There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, and no fatalities occurred.
- The wind at the time of the incident was estimated at 5 knots from 210 degrees.