What happened
On 10 July 2003, a Piper PA-28-161 Cadet, registration G-FOXA, was conducting circuit training at Leicester Airfield. The flight involved an instructor and a student pilot. After completing two standard circuits, the instructor demonstrated a glide approach, which the student then followed. During the subsequent circuit, the student prepared for another glide approach.
As the aircraft reached the final stages of the approach, the instructor observed that the flight appeared normal, with the touchdown point estimated to be just past the runway threshold. The instructor had advised the student against the use of flaps for this maneuver. However, while on very short finals, the aircraft was hit by a sudden gust of wind. This caused an immediate and significant loss of altitude. Consequently, the aircraft touched down on the unpaved, rough ground located just before the start of the runway. The impact caused the nose wheel to collapse as it hit the raised edge of the runway paving. The momentum of the aircraft caused the propeller to strike the ground, and the right-hand main landing gear subsequently collapsed after also striking the pavement edge.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the flight conditions and the sequence of the landing. The wind conditions at the time were recorded as 230 degrees at 10 knots, with runway 22 in use. The crew members, consisting of two people, sustained no injuries during the event.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered windshear conditions during the final stages of the approach.
- A sudden gust of wind led to an abrupt loss of height.
- The aircraft landed on rough ground short of the paved runway surface.
- The collapse of the nose wheel and the right main gear was caused by the aircraft striking the raised edge of the runway paving.