What happened
On 3 September 2007, a Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee, registration G-BLDG, was engaged in a private familiarisation flight at Rufforth Aerodrome, Yorkshire. The pilot was performing training maneuvers to prepare for upcoming glider towing duties. Having previously completed an initial flight in the aircraft, the pilot conducted a second session involving circuits and landings.
During the fourth circuit, the approach deviated from the successful pattern of the previous three attempts. The pilot allowed the airspeed to drop significantly during the final stages of the approach and rounded out at an excessive height. This resulted in a loss of flying speed and a wing drop. Despite an immediate application of full power, the right wing struck the grass runway surface. The impact caused a heavy landing, which led the aircraft to slew to the right and come to rest on the adjacent asphalt runway, facing the direction of the approach. The pilot, who was wearing a full harness, sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's recent flying history and the aircraft's handling characteristics. It was noted that the pilot had very limited experience on this specific type, with only one hour of flight time previously recorded on the aircraft. On the day of the accident, the pilot had received a detailed briefing on the aircraft's operation and had studied the Pilot's Operating Handbook.
During the flight, the pilot had performed stall practice and observed that the aircraft exhibited a tendency to drop the right wing when full flaps were selected. The investigation also reviewed the sequence of the landing attempt and the pilot's self-assessment of the error.