What happened
On 18 December 1999, a Piper PA-28-140, registration G-SCPL, was conducting a private local flight when it departed the runway at Gloucester Airport. The pilot had completed all necessary pre-flight inspections earlier that day, finding the aircraft to be in good condition. Weather conditions at the time were favorable, with clear skies below 3,000 feet and light winds.
Following a period of general handling, the pilot decided to return to the airfield due to declining visibility. The aircraft joined the overhead pattern for Runway 09 with full flaps selected. During the final approach, the pilot reported an indicated airspeed of 65 kt and noted that the PAPI lights indicated a stable approach. However, upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a sudden pitch-down motion and began veering to the left. The pilot noted a lack of positive control and directional stability, leading the aircraft to drift off the left side of the runway. The impact caused the right wingtip to strike the ground, and the aircraft eventually came to a halt with the nosewheel collapsed.
There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger during the incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the runway surface, identifying scuff marks and propeller strikes on the runway. The investigation confirmed that the propeller was destroyed and the engine had suffered a shockload. The nose leg assembly was broken, and both wingtips sustained damage.
Technical inspections by a repair agency found no evidence of pre-existing defects in the nose leg assembly. Furthermore, the crew reported that the landing was not excessively hard and confirmed that the stall warning buzzer did not activate during the flare or the landing phase.