What happened
On 11 August 2003, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration G-CGHM, was performing a private flight at Caernarfon Airfield, Wales. During the landing sequence on Runway 02, the aircraft experienced two bounces on the runway surface. In response to these bounces, the pilot decided to execute a go-around.
As the go-around was initiated, the aircraft drifted toward the left side of the runway. Before the aircraft could establish a positive climb, the landing gear made contact with a wooden fence situated adjacent to the runway. Following the impact with the fence, the pilot managed to bring the aircraft down in a field located just beyond the obstruction. The impact resulted in damage to both wings of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the landing attempt and the subsequent maneuver. The pilot noted that during the transition to the go-around, he may have unintentionally applied left aileron input, which contributed to the aircraft's lateral movement toward the fence.