What happened
On 10 February 2008, a private flight involving a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-RIZZ, was operating at Sibson Airfield. The pilot had previously attempted two landings on the grass Runway 24, but both were aborted because the low position of the sun was causing significant visual distraction.
Seeking an alternative, the pilot decided to land on the grass Runway 15. During the base leg of this approach, the low sun caused the pilot to lose visual contact with the airfield. Although the pilot noted the approach appeared high and fast, they proceeded to the final approach. The aircraft touched down at the intersection with Runway 24, approximately 165 metres into the 551-metre long wet grass runway. Despite the pilot applying the brakes, the aircraft could not stop within the remaining distance and exited the end of the runway, eventually coming to rest in a ditch at the airfield boundary. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions and the sequence of the landing attempt. Investigators noted that the wind was 110° at 4 kt and the outside air temperature was 8°C. The investigation focused on the impact of the low sun on the pilot's visual references and the physical limitations of the runway surface and length during the landing.