What happened
On 2 December 2009, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-WFFW, was performing circuit training at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire. The pilot had successfully completed two touch-and-go landings using Runway 24. During the third approach, which was a right-hand circuit, the aircraft was subject to a left crosswind component of 10 kt.
As the pilot flared for landing, the aircraft was slightly high, necessitating a nose-down attitude to maintain a target airspeed of approximately 60 KIAS. Following the touchdown, the pilot noted that the aircraft began to slide sideways and rotate 45 degrees to the left. Despite attempts to correct the deviation using right rudder, the aircraft exited the paved surface. The excursion resulted in the aircraft striking various pieces of airfield infrastructure, including the Runway Hydraulic Arrestor Gear (RHAG) and PAPI lights, before coming to a stop in the grass.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight conditions and the sequence of the landing. It was established that the wind during the approach was 150 degrees at 10 knots. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's physical state and the damage sustained, which included impacts to the propeller, nose leg, lower engine cowlings, and a wingtip. There were no injuries to the pilot during the event.