What happened
On 13 June 2000, a Piper PA-28-140, registration G-LFSC, was returning to Liverpool Airport following a training flight from Blackpool. The weather at the time of the incident was favorable, characterized by clear visibility and scattered clouds, with winds from 290 degrees at 16 knots.
As the aircraft joined the Runway 27 circuit on the base leg, the pilot was cleared for landing. During the final approach, the descent profile was steeper than a standard approach. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced, and a subsequent heavy impact occurred on the nosewheel. This impact caused the aircraft to veer toward the right before coming to a stop. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board, though the aircraft sustained a bent propeller and a burst tyre.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the flight path and the sequence of events leading to the ground contact. The examination established that the approach angle was more aggressive than normal, contributing to the instability during the landing phase.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a misjudgement of the landing flare.
- The pilot failed to react with sufficient speed to the aircraft's bounce following the initial touchdown.
- The approach to the runway was steeper than a conventional landing profile.