Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II (registration G-BJBX), was manufactured in 1981 and powered by a Lycoming O-320-D3G piston engine. The private flight was conducted by the 68-year-old pilot, who held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 670 flying hours, of which 369 were on type. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 5 hours, with none in the last 28 days.
Accident Sequence
The pilot planned to fly circuits from the grass runway at Full Sutton Airfield. He reported that after a normal circuit, he flew a shallower than normal approach to Runway 22, intending to touch down at the threshold and avoid the middle of the runway, which had been reseeded and which pilots were requested to avoid. Conditions were described as "good" with a surface wind from 170° at 13 kt. The pilot noted occasional light to moderate turbulence on the approach.
Short of the threshold, the right wing suddenly dropped. He applied full power but was unable to prevent the wingtip from hitting the ground. The aircraft then crossed the airfield boundary about 60 m beyond.
Damage and Injuries
In the ensuing impact, the nose and right landing gear separated from the aircraft, and the propeller and engine were damaged. The pilot, who was uninjured, made the aircraft safe before leaving unaided through the main door.