What happened
On 16 January 2001, a Piper PA-28-161, registration G-BRRM, was conducting a flight at Rochester Airport in Kent. During the landing sequence, the handling pilot applied full power in an attempt to manage the approach. While the instructor initially believed there was enough runway remaining, the aircraft's airspeed failed to increase as expected, bringing the plane close to the end of the runway.
In an effort to manage the situation, the instructor took control of the aircraft. During this maneuver, the instructor attempted to select the first stage of flaps; however, the flap lever was moved past the intended gate, resulting in the flaps being retracted into the up position. The aircraft subsequently departed the runway at approximately 50 kt. Shortly after leaving the paved surface, the left main landing gear collided with a perimeter fence, causing the gear to detach. The aircraft then veered left and came to a stop after striking bushes and a wire mesh fence. Both occupants, who were wearing appropriate safety restraints, exited the aircraft through the door with minor injuries.
The investigation
Following the incident, the AAIB examined the sequence of events leading to the excursion. The investigation focused on the flight controls and the specific actions taken by the instructor during the critical moments of the approach. The investigation established that the aircraft's airspeed did not respond normally to the application of full power, which necessitated the instructor's intervention.