What happened
On 17 July 2013, a student pilot was conducting a solo training flight in a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-BOHA, at Lee-on-Solently Airfield. Following a short navigation exercise, the pilot returned to the airfield to perform landings. During the first landing attempt on Runway 23, the aircraft veered left into the wind upon touchdown. The pilot managed to correct the deviation and successfully executed a go-around.
On the second landing attempt, the pilot encountered similar directional control difficulties. Despite applying full right rudder, the aircraft continued to swing. In an attempt to recover, the pilot applied significant power for another go-around; however, this increased the aerodynamic forces and aggravated the situation. During this maneuver, the nosewheel collapsed, causing the aircraft to veer off the hard runway surface. The aircraft traveled approximately 80 meters off the runway, eventually coming to a stop after a 150-degree turn from its original heading.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition and the pilot's actions. Post-accident inspections of G-BOHA found no pre-existing defects that would have contributed to the incident. Evidence from the scene, including ground marks and propeller damage, suggested that the nosewheel failure occurred while significant engine power was still being applied. The investigation also noted that the pilot had relatively limited flying experience, with only 36 total hours of flight time.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a nosewheel collapse during a high-power go-around attempt.
- The pilot's lack of experience was a contributing factor in the inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
- The application of increased power during the second landing attempt exacerbated the aircraft's tendency to veer off the runway.