Introduction
On 10 July 2003, a Piper PA-28-161 Cadet, registration G-FOXA, was conducting circuit training at Leicester Airfield, Leicestershire. The aircraft was manufactured in 1988 and powered by a Lycoming O-320-D3G piston engine. The flight crew consisted of an instructor and a student pilot; no passengers were on board.
The Flight
The aircraft was engaged in a circuit training detail. The student initially completed two uneventful normal circuits. The instructor then demonstrated a glide approach, with the student following through on the controls. On the subsequent circuit, the student flew and positioned the aircraft for a glide approach. The instructor observed that everything appeared normal on final approach, with the estimated touchdown point just beyond the runway numbers. He advised the student not to select any flap.
Accident
While on very short finals, the aircraft encountered a sudden gust of wind, resulting in an abrupt loss of height. The aircraft landed on rough ground just short of the runway paved area. As it rolled forward, the nose wheel collapsed upon striking the raised edge of the paving. This caused the propeller to strike the ground. Additionally, the right main landing gear collapsed after striking the paved edge.
Aftermath
Neither the instructor nor the student sustained injuries. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose wheel, right main wheel, and propeller. The reported wind at the time was 230° at 10 knots, with runway 22 in use. The instructor considered that the aircraft had encountered windshear conditions during the latter stages of the approach, with insufficient time to apply power.