Synopsis
On 6 July 2011, at 1505 UTC, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registered G-EDGA, experienced a landing incident at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire. The pilot, aged 51, held a Private Pilot’s Licence with 280 total flying hours (102 on type). No injuries were sustained by the two occupants.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft had completed an uneventful transit from Coventry Airport. The prevailing weather at Halton was described as bumpy, with thunderstorms in the area and gusty wind conditions. The forecast called for a surface wind of 180°/15 kt gusting 25 kt. The pilot positioned the aircraft for a flapless landing on grass Runway 20, with the windsock indicating a strong wind straight down the runway.
During the final approach, as the aircraft neared trees, it was “swatted violently downwards and left.” The left wing dropped and made contact with trees. The pilot then levelled the wings and noticed from the windsock that the wind had veered significantly, almost 90°. He turned towards the wind and landed across the runway, stopping in the long grass beyond the side of the strip. The aircraft was taxied back to the apron and shut down normally.
Damage
A subsequent inspection revealed damage to the left wing outer leading edge, as well as to the anti-collision and navigation lights.
Probable Cause
The pilot considered that the accident was caused by a sudden and violent change in the wind direction, perhaps caused by a nearby thunderstorm to the north.