What happened
On 30 June 2002, a Piper PA-28-161, registration G-BOZI, was completing a private pleasure flight when it encountered difficulties during its return to Peterborough (Conington) Airport. At the time of the incident, the airfield was experiencing winds from 230° at 15 knots, with gusts reaching 30 knots.
As the pilot prepared for landing on Runway 28, the aircraft was stabilized at 75 KIAS with flaps set to 30°. During the landing flare, the pilot noted being slightly to the right of the runway centerline while reducing engine power. After the power was brought to idle, the aircraft ascended to an altitude of roughly 10 feet. At this point, the stall warning triggered, followed by a sudden drop of the nose and the left wing. Upon contact with the runway, the left main and nose landing gears buckled, and the propeller struck the ground. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot and subsequent inquiries. The examination focused on the aircraft's flight path during the final moments of the approach and the environmental conditions present at the airfield. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft sustained damage to the left wing, the fuselage underside, the propeller, and the engine, which suffered a shockload. The landing gear was also heavily impacted.