Accident Overview
On 21 February 2009 at 1416 UTC, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II (registration G-EMSL) was involved in an accident while performing a touch-and-go landing at Rochester Airfield, Kent. The aircraft was operated by a flying club on a training check flight. Both crew members were uninjured, but the aircraft sustained extensive damage to the engine, landing gear, wings, and lower rear fuselage.
Flight Crew
The pilot in the left seat held a Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) with 158 hours total flying experience, of which only one hour was flown in the previous 90 days. Her total time as pilot-in-command was 29 hours. The flying club required a check flight for any pilot who had not flown within 28 days. The supervising pilot, who held a Commercial Pilot's Licence and had 1,923 hours total (1,280 on type), was the same instructor who had taught the pilot during part of her PPL training.
Sequence of Events
The flight departed from Biggin Hill for the check flight. After some general handling, the crew briefed for a touch-and-go at Rochester Airport before returning to Biggin Hill. They joined overhead for Runway 20 Relief, an unmarked grass strip left of Runway 20 Main. The instructor noted that the entry into the circuit and turn onto base leg were flown slightly too close to the runway, resulting in a high approach. There was also initial confusion about which runway to align with, requiring a correction during final approach.
Touchdown occurred deep into the runway. The pilot applied the brakes, intending to stop, while the instructor expected power to be applied for a touch-and-go. The instructor then took control and applied full power to attempt a takeoff, but insufficient runway remained. The aircraft struck a derelict car used for fire service practice and some small trees beyond the runway end, then slid down an embankment and came to rest near a road bordering the airfield.
Communication and Decision-Making
After the accident, the pilot stated that she had considered going around when the aircraft became high on approach but did not voice this due to the instructor's presence. She also did not communicate her decision to stop after the long landing. The instructor was surprised by the braking action. The flying school's subsequent investigation focused on human factors, particularly the differences between instructing and supervising. It highlighted a lack of communication between the crew during the flight.
Post-Accident Actions
The flying school re-briefed all instructors on student management, and the instructor involved additionally revised part of his Instructor's Rating. The pilot received further training and reported that the flying school was supportive.