What happened
On 11 September 2009, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration G-ATUD, was conducting a private flight at Belle Vue Airstrip in Yarnscombe, Devon. During the approach to Runway 08, the aircraft was flying in stable weather conditions with an easterly wind of approximately 10 knots.
As the pilot performed the approach, the aircraft became slightly high and slow. The pilot attempted to correct this by increasing power; however, the aircraft lost altitude. During the descent, the landing gear made contact with a boundary hedge located near the runway threshold. This impact caused the aircraft to pitch into an inverted position, subsequently striking a high-sided lorry that was traveling on a road adjacent to the runway.
Following the impact, the aircraft suffered extensive damage. The two occupants, the pilot and one passenger, were able to exit the aircraft through the door. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger suffered serious injuries. No fire occurred during the event.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the flight parameters leading up to the impact, noting that the pilot had been momentarily distracted by the movement of the lorry passing the runway centerline. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's recent flying experience, noting a low frequency of flight time in the 90 days and 28 days preceding the accident.