What happened
On 9 October 2002, a Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee, registration G-ASKV, was performing a private flight at Parham Airfield in West Sussex. The aircraft was being used for aero-towing operations at the gliding site. While executing a left-hand circuit to land on the grass strip 04, the pilot encountered a 15-knot surface wind from 120°, resulting in a significant crosswind from the right.
Following a standard touchdown at approximately 70 mph, the aircraft decelerated to roughly 15 mph. At this speed, the aircraft began to slide toward the left side of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct the movement using right rudder and the right wheel brake, but the lateral drift continued. The left wing tip eventually collided with a windsock post located near the left boundary of the strip. The impact resulted in structural damage to the wing tip, the outboard end of the wing trailing edge spar, and the outboard end of the aileron. No injuries were reported.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the airfield conditions and the sequence of the ground excursion. The investigation established that the aircraft was operating on a grass surface which was notably wet. The investigation also noted the presence of loose grass clippings on the runway surface.
Findings
- The ground excursion was caused by a combination of a very wet grass surface, short grass, and loose grass clippings which reduced directional control.
- A wind gust from the right contributed to the aircraft's lateral movement during the landing roll.