Accident Overview
On 11 June 2005, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration G-BTVR) operated by a student pilot was involved in an accident at Full Sutton Airfield in Yorkshire. The aircraft was completing a solo consolidation training flight, and the pilot intended to perform a touch-and-go landing on Runway 04. The wind at the time was reported as 060° at 8 kt.
Sequence of Events
While on final approach, the pilot allowed the airspeed to drop, resulting in a heavy landing and multiple bounces. Attempting to recover, the pilot inadvertently pushed the left rudder pedal, causing the aircraft to turn rapidly to the left. As the aircraft departed the grass runway, the pilot opened the throttle in an effort to climb clear of a line of trees, but this was unsuccessful. The aircraft struck a tree, rolled inverted, and came to rest in a field of crops. There was no fire, and the pilot was able to exit the aircraft, having suffered only minor injuries.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a 1976 Piper PA-28-140, powered by a single Lycoming O-320-E3D piston engine. The pilot, aged 45, held a student pilot license and had a total of 10 flying hours, all on the accident aircraft type. The damage to the aircraft was assessed as beyond economical repair.
Investigation and Findings
The information for this report was provided by the pilot via an Aircraft Accident Report Form. The investigation determined that the loss of airspeed on final approach led to a bounced landing, and the subsequent application of left rudder during the attempted recovery resulted in a loss of directional control. The aircraft's departure from the runway and collision with a tree were consequences of these events.