Overview
On 2 December 2009, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-WFFW, was involved in an accident at RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire. The aircraft was operated on a private flight with a single pilot and no passengers. The pilot reported no injuries.
Flight Details
The pilot was conducting circuits on Runway 24, which has a paved surface 2,387 m long and 46 m wide. After two successful touch-and-go landings, the pilot entered a right-hand circuit for a third approach. The wind during the previous landing was reported as 160° at 9 kt, equating to a crosswind component of 9 kt. While downwind for the third approach, the wind was reported as 150° at 10 kt, giving a left crosswind of 10 kt.
Accident Sequence
During the approach, the pilot flared slightly high and had to lower the nose to maintain a target airspeed of about 60 KIAS. The aircraft touched down positively and then began to slew sideways, turning 45° to the left. The pilot attempted to correct by applying right rudder, but the aircraft departed the runway surface to the left. It struck airfield equipment, including the PAPI lights and Runway Hydraulic Arrestor Gear (RHAG), before coming to rest in the grass.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, nose leg, lower engine cowlings, and a wingtip.
Pilot Experience
The pilot, aged 42, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had a total flying experience of 144 hours, of which 85 hours were on the type. In the last 90 days, the pilot had flown 1.5 hours, with no flying in the last 28 days.