What happened
On 16 October 2005, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-BXAB, was completing a local flight at Manston Airport, Kent. During the approach to Runway 10, the pilot was aware that the runway was operating with a displaced threshold due to ongoing survey work for a temporary PAPI installation.
Despite receiving multiple notifications from Air Traffic Control regarding the displaced threshold, the aircraft's speed decreased during the final stages of the approach. This caused the aircraft to fly level at a height of approximately 30 feet and touch down before reaching the displaced threshold. The aircraft landed approximately 10 to 12 metres left of the runway centreline and swerved toward the left edge of the marked runway. In the process, the aircraft struck a tripod and theodolite used by survey personnel. Following the impact, the aircraft turned back toward the active runway and taxied to the flying school. There were no injuries to the pilot or the survey personnel.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's flight path, the airfield configuration, and the physical damage sustained. Investigators found damage to the left main landing gear spat, punctures to the left wing skin, and damage to a runway guard light at holding point E2. Tyre marks on the runway indicated the aircraft had crossed into the sterile area before returning to the active runway. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flying technique, noting that the aircraft's nose-up attitude and sudden drop just prior to touchdown were consistent with a stall caused by excessive deceleration.
Findings
- The aircraft touched down short of the displaced threshold because the pilot allowed the aircraft to become too slow during the approach.
- The pilot's decision to approach the runway as though its full length was available, and then to fly level in the landing configuration until crossing the displaced threshold, led to the early touchdown and loss of directional control.
- The collision with the theodolite caused damage to the left wing and landing gear, while a separate impact with a runway guard light caused damage to the right main gear spat.