What happened
On 18 May 2004, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior 11, registration G-BFNJ, was performing a private flight at Lee-on-Solent Airfield in Hampshire. The pilot had completed two successful touch-and-go approaches on Runway 23 prior to attempting a full-stop landing.
Immediately following touchdown, the aircraft initially maintained a straight track along the runway. However, the aircraft then experienced a sudden and violent swing to the right. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, causing the aircraft to depart from the paved runway surface. The aircraft eventually came to a halt at an angle approximately 90 degrees from the runway heading. There were no injuries to the pilot during the event.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition and the environmental factors present during the landing. At the time of the accident, the runway surface was dry, and weather conditions were stable, with winds estimated at 260 degrees at 6 to 7 knots.
Physical inspection of the G-BFNJ revealed damage specifically to the engine frame. This damage was determined to have likely occurred when the aircraft traversed a shallow gully while exiting the runway. Following the incident, the engine frame was replaced. A subsequent 50-hour inspection was performed, which found no defects within the braking system. The aircraft was subsequently returned to service.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of directional control after touchdown.
- The pilot reported no prior directional control issues during the preceding touch-and-go maneuvers.
- No environmental or external factors were identified that contributed to the swing to the right.
- The damage to the engine frame was a result of the aircraft leaving the paved surface and hitting a gully.