What happened
On 7 April 2013, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-BTNE, was conducting a private flight from Wellesbourne Airfield to Earls Colne Airfield with three passengers on board. During the approach to Runway 24L, the pilot initially aborted the landing due to being too high, performing a go-around. A second approach was attempted, which was stabilized at 70 kt with two stages of flap.
During the landing phase, the aircraft experienced an extended float period. The pilot estimated that approximately half of the runway length had been consumed by the time the main wheels made contact with the asphalt. Upon application of the brakes, the aircraft suddenly veered to the left. Despite the pilot's use of right rudder to maintain the centerline, the aircraft exited the runway onto the grass. The pilot attempted a go-around, but the wheels dug into the turf, preventing sufficient acceleration for takeoff. The aircraft subsequently drifted into the parking area, colliding with two stationary aircraft. There were no injuries to the pilot or passengers, though the aircraft sustained severe damage to its fuselage and wings.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the pilot's maneuvers, and the aircraft's behavior during the touchdown and braking phases. The inquiry focused on the loss of directional control following the application of brakes and the subsequent inability to execute a successful go-around once the aircraft had left the paved surface.