Synopsis
At 1640 UTC on 31 July 2008, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee (registration G-BAGX, year of manufacture 1967) operated by a private pilot on a private flight from Little Staughton to New York Airstrip near Coningsby, Lincolnshire, suffered a runway excursion upon landing. The aircraft's left wing struck a hedge at the end of Runway 09, causing damage but no injuries to the sole occupant.
History of the flight
The pilot, aged 48, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 355 total flying hours, of which 85 were on type, including 19 hours in the preceding 28 days. Prior to departure from Little Staughton, the pilot consulted the Waddington TAF and contacted RAF Coningsby for weather information. The reported winds were 10-15 kt from east-south-east (125°), with overcast conditions and drizzle.
En route, near Peterborough, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather and entered IMC. Approximately 7 miles from New York Airstrip, visibility improved, and the remainder of the flight was conducted under VFR.
On arrival, the pilot performed a flypast to observe the windsock, which was hanging limply, indicating calm wind. Based on the reported winds from Waddington and RAF Coningsby, the pilot elected to land on grass Runway 09.
Landing and aftermath
During the flare, the pilot noted excessive ground speed. After touchdown, the aircraft continued at high speed despite full brake application. The pilot judged that insufficient runway remained for a go-around and chose to remain on the ground. As the end of Runway 09 neared, he attempted to steer onto adjacent Runway 17, but momentum carried the aircraft into a hedgerow. The left wing struck the hedge, causing the aircraft to swing around and come to rest.
The pilot exited normally and was uninjured. He then observed that the windsock now indicated a strong wind from the west. Shortly after, a rainstorm passed through; 45 minutes later the wind was calm again. The pilot attributed the excursion to a strong tailwind associated with the approaching storm and wet grass on the runway.
Conclusion
The aircraft sustained damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no injuries.