Accident Overview
On 7 July 2002, at approximately 1750 hours UTC, a Piper PA-28-140, registration G-BBEF, experienced a landing accident at Caernarfon Aerodrome in Wales. The aircraft was being operated on a training flight from Hawarden Aerodrome. The sole occupant, a student pilot, was not injured. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, nose gear, and engine frame.
Sequence of Events
The pilot, unable to establish radio contact with either RAF Valley ATC or Caernarfon Radio, joined overhead Caernarfon Aerodrome at 1,300 feet above ground level (agl) and flew two circuits to assess wind direction and strength from the windsock. The wind was later reported as 250° at 12 knots. The pilot positioned the aircraft for a circuit on Runway 26.
Two subsequent circuits at 800 feet agl resulted in voluntary go-arounds—first due to a vehicle crossing the runway, and then because of an indicated change in surface wind. On the following circuit, the pilot configured for a short field landing on Runway 26 with full flaps deployed. The wind was aligned directly down the runway, and the pilot considered the approach stable.
As the pilot retarded the throttle over the threshold, the aircraft suddenly dropped onto the runway. It appeared to touch down on the main landing gear and then bounced back into the air. The pilot attempted to apply power for a go-around, but the aircraft touched down again, likely on the nose gear first, causing the nose gear to collapse. The aircraft slid along the runway to a halt. After securing the engine, fuel, and electrical systems, the pilot evacuated the aircraft.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-140 (year of manufacture 1973), powered by a Lycoming O-320-E3D piston engine. The commander was a 41-year-old student pilot with a total flying experience of 41 hours, all on type, including 8 hours in the previous 90 days and 2 hours in the previous 28 days.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the propeller, nose gear, and engine frame.