What happened
On 23 February 1998, a Piper PA-28-140, registration G-AYJP, was conducting a private training flight at RAF Brize Norton. The student pilot, who was performing his second solo flight following several dual circuits, was instructed to complete a touch-and-go maneuver followed by a full-stop landing.
During the landing phase, the pilot maintained an approach speed of approximately 85 mph using full flaps. The aircraft's main wheels made contact with the runway at roughly 75 mph with the engine at idle. Shortly before the nosewheel touched the ground, the right wing lifted, causing the aircraft to pivot approximately 90 degrees to the left on the left mainwheel. Despite the application of full opposite aileron, the right wing tip and nosewheel struck the runway surface. The aircraft eventually came to rest on the grass adjacent to the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight conditions and the sequence of the aircraft's movement on the runway. An instructor, observing the approach from the Control Tower, noted that the initial touchdown appeared standard before the right wing lifted and the aircraft entered a ground loop.
Meteorological data was reviewed, revealing that a weak low-pressure trough was moving across the area from the northwest. While the surface wind was reported at 270°T at 9 knots, the passage of the trough caused the wind to veer to 290°T at 10 knots, with potential gusts up to 20 knots. The investigation also considered the impact of local terrain and structures on wind patterns.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller tips, the nosewheel, and the right wing tip.
- Wind fluctuations or turbulence caused by the passage of a low-pressure trough may have contributed to the loss of directional control.
- The instructor noted that the upwind hangars near the runway threshold could potentially produce a vortex or rotor effect under the prevailing wind conditions.