Accident Details
On 23 August 2000 at 1820 hours UTC, a Piper PA-28-161, registration G-BSXB, was involved in a runway excursion during solo landing practice at Gloucestershire Airport. The aircraft was manufactured in 1984 and powered by a single Lycoming O-320-D3G piston engine. The flight was a private operation with only the student pilot on board; no passengers were carried. The pilot, aged 44, held a student pilot license; his total flying experience was unknown. The surface wind was from 080° at 10 knots.
Sequence of Events
Just before touchdown on tarmac Runway 04, the student pilot believed the aircraft was slightly off the centerline and near the grass on the right side of the runway, while the aircraft was heading into wind. As the aircraft touched down, it swung further to the right. The pilot realized he had insufficient time and space to steer back toward the runway centerline and accepted the situation, braking to a halt in a straight line. The aircraft left the runway onto the grass and came to a stop after the intersection with Runway 36. During its 20-meter traverse of the grass, the nose wheel ran over a rabbit hole, causing the nose to drop sufficiently for the propeller to strike the ground.
Damage and Inspection
The propeller sustained a minor 'nick' damage to one blade; the landing gear was not damaged. The engine underwent a shock load check. The student pilot's instructor observed the event from the airfield, approached the aircraft after it stopped, and inspected it for major damage. Finding none, he taxied the aircraft to the maintenance hangar for a detailed damage inspection.
Aftermath
The student pilot went abroad to work after the accident and could not be contacted by the AAIB. The report was submitted by the pilot's instructor.