Incident
On 16 October 2005, at 0939 UTC, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-BXAB, was returning to Manston Airport after a local flight. The aircraft approached Runway 10, which had a displaced threshold due to survey work related to a temporary PAPI installation. The pilot was aware of the displaced threshold, as it was marked in accordance with regulations and promulgated by NOTAM. During the approach, ATC made several references to the displaced threshold, which the pilot acknowledged. Nevertheless, the ATCO judged that the aircraft would land short of the displaced threshold and warned the pilot again. The aircraft was observed flying level at approximately 30 ft, then dropping suddenly with a nose-up attitude, and touching down before the displaced threshold. It touched down approximately 10 to 12 m left of the runway centerline and swerved towards the left edge of the marked runway, where it struck a tripod and theodolite. The aircraft then turned sharply back to the active runway and taxied to the flying school. The pilot reported landing short but did not mention striking any objects.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft was a 1984 Piper PA-28-161 powered by a Lycoming O-320-D3G piston engine. The flight was private with one pilot and no passengers. The pilot, aged 49, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had 220 total flying hours, including 40 on type. In the last 90 days, she had flown 19 hours; in the last 28 days, 6 hours. The pilot stated she allowed the aircraft to become slow during the approach, causing it to touch down earlier than intended. She only learned of the collision upon arrival at the flying school.
Airfield Information
Manston Airport has a single runway 10/28, 2,752 m long and 61 m wide. The temporary PAPI installation and associated survey activity was located at the left edge of Runway 10, 771 m east of the normal touchdown threshold. The displaced threshold was a further 142 m east, identified by black and white marker boards. This resulted in a landing distance available of 1,839 m.
Damage
The left main landing gear spat was damaged, and the left wing sustained three small impact marks on the leading edge, a skin puncture on the top surface at approximately mid chord, and a circular skin puncture on the lower surface. The right main landing gear spat was also damaged. Temporary skin repairs were made with adhesive metallic tape, and the aircraft was flown again that afternoon. Permanent repairs were made later. Additionally, a runway guard light at holding point E2 was damaged; a piece of glass reinforced plastic matching the right main gear spat was found inside the light unit.
Probable Cause
The early touchdown and loss of directional control probably resulted from the decision of the pilot 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.