Accident Overview
On 7 August 2002 at 1652 UTC, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration G-BUFH) operated by a private pilot experienced a runway excursion during landing at Bourn Airfield in Cambridgeshire. The single-engine aircraft, powered by a Lycoming O-320-D3G piston engine, sustained minor damage to its left flap and aileron. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.
Flight Details
The pilot, holding a Private Pilot Licence with 121 total flying hours (116 on type), approached Bourn Airfield and was unable to establish two-way contact with the air/ground radio. He overflew the windsock and observed the wind from 120° at less than 5 knots. Based on this, he selected Runway 19 for landing. The runway had a dry asphalt surface, a published landing distance of 633 metres, and a 1% down slope.
Approach and Landing
The pilot's first approach was judged too high, so he executed a go-around and positioned for a second attempt. The second approach was described as high and fast. The pilot side-slipped to lose excess height and elected to continue. The aircraft floated down the runway. The pilot estimated touchdown at 200–300 metres from the threshold, while ground observers placed it at approximately 400 metres from the threshold.
Runway Excursion
Realising he would be unable to stop before the end of the runway and uncertain of the overrun surface, the pilot attempted to steer right onto a taxiway at the far end of the runway. During this manoeuvre, the aircraft's left main wheel departed the asphalt surface and dropped into a ditch, causing the aircraft to rotate to the left and stop. The only damage was minor dents to the port flap and aileron.
Pilot Background
The pilot, aged 39, had accumulated 121 flying hours, with 116 hours on the PA-28-161 type. His recent flying experience included 3 hours in the last 90 days and 3 hours in the last 28 days. He was accustomed to landing on a 1,869-metre runway and planned to refresh his short-field landing technique.