Incident Overview
On 16 January 2003, a private pilot flying a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II (registration G-BRBE) experienced a runway excursion after landing at Shoreham Airport, Sussex. The aircraft sustained slight but extensive damage to its left side, and two wooden runway marker boards were destroyed. The pilot and the sole passenger were uninjured.
Flight and Weather Information
The pilot was conducting a local flight. Before rejoining the circuit, he received ATIS information indicating Runway 21 was in use with a surface wind of 240°/06 kt, visibility greater than 10 km, and scattered cloud at 8,000 feet. However, due to a road traffic accident on the A27 north of the airfield involving oxy-acetylene equipment, police imposed a 300-metre exclusion zone. Consequently, Shoreham ATC restricted operations: departures from Runway 21 and landings on Runway 03 only. Runway 03 is level, 1,036 m long and 18 m wide, with a displaced threshold reducing landing distance to 871 m.
Approach and Landing
When the pilot contacted ATC, he was informed of the runway change, cleared to join for Runway 03, and given a surface wind of 230°/06 kt. On final approach, he was cleared to land and advised the wind was now 240°/10 kt. ATC reported the aircraft touched down more than halfway along the runway. After the nose wheel touched down, the aircraft turned left, departed the runway onto grass, and came to rest in the undershoot area of Runway 21. It was later found that the aircraft had struck two marker boards during the excursion.
Pilot Experience and Remarks
The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 155 hours total flying time, with 16 hours on type. His conversion to the PA-28 had been completed on 2 December 2002, and this was his first flight since then. He reported no prior experience landing in tailwind conditions. Although he considered the approach satisfactory, he was aware of being pushed along, recognized the touchdown was further than usual, noted high ground speed, and observed the runway surface was damp.
Post-Event Actions
After the aircraft came to a halt, the pilot shut down the engine and selected fuel and electrical power off. He and his passenger vacated the aircraft without assistance. Airfield fire and rescue services arrived promptly. Examination of the aircraft revealed both brakes were serviceable and functioning normally.