What happened
On 3 July 1999, a Piper PA-28-161, registration G-BSIB, was returning to Halfpenny Green following a navigation exercise. During the arrival process, the pilot was initially directed to land on Runway 34 due to an airship landing on Runway 28. Although Runway 28 had since been vacated, the pilot opted to proceed with the approach to Runway 34 to avoid other aircraft in the vicinity.
This change in runway resulted in a crosswind and a potential slight tailwind. The aircraft approached the runway at a high speed and high altitude. Upon touchdown, the aircraft floated significantly down the runway, eventually making contact with the surface well past the midpoint. Despite the application of heavy braking, the aircraft ran off the end of the runway, crashed through a post and wire fence, and came to a stop embedded in a boundary hedge. The impact caused the left wing to detach at the wing root, rendering the aircraft a total loss. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
The investigation examined the approach characteristics, the airfield's wind information, and the physical hazards present at the runway end. Discrepancies were noted regarding the wind information provided to the pilot; while the pilot believed he had been informed of a 260°/15 kt wind, the airfield supervisor reported providing a wind reading of 230° at 10 kt.
Investigators also looked into the airfield's infrastructure. The Chief Flying Instructor raised concerns regarding the safety of the new concrete-supported fence located in the overrun area, noting that such structures might be less forgiving than older wooden posts. Additionally, the investigation reviewed the placement of the airfield windsock, which was located near the perimeter rather than the center, a configuration intended to keep the central area clear for parachuting activities.