Accident Details
On 9 November 2002 at 1615 UTC, a Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee (registration G-BNZV) was damaged beyond economic repair after a runway excursion at Currock Hill, Chopwell, Newcastle. The aircraft, manufactured in 1974, was powered by a single Lycoming O-540-B2C5 piston engine. The private flight was the pilot's first on type, intended for familiarization with handling characteristics prior to glider towing training. The pilot, aged 59, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 156 hours total flying experience, with only 16 minutes on type. No passengers were on board.
Sequence of Events
Before the flight, the pilot received a comprehensive briefing from the Chief Flying Instructor. Meteorological conditions were reported as good, with no significant weather and a calm surface wind. After 15 minutes of general handling, the pilot joined the circuit to land on Runway 24, a wet grass surface with a landing distance available (LDA) of 600 metres. The approach was satisfactory, but the aircraft floated and touched down well along the runway. Brake application had minimal effect, and the pilot realized the aircraft would not stop within the remaining distance. He initiated a go-around, but the aircraft ran into gorse bushes and came to rest inverted. The pilot, wearing a 4-point harness, vacated the aircraft uninjured.
Pilot's Assessment and Subsequent Actions
The pilot assessed the cause of the accident as a combination of lack of experience on type, calm surface wind conditions, and wet grass. Additionally, the go-around was attempted with carburettor heat selected to hot and flaps fully down. Subsequent landing performance calculations indicated that the landing distance required was just under 500 metres. As a result of the accident, the flying club reviewed its tug pilot training policy and conducted a risk assessment of its fire fighting training and rescue facilities.