Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-28-161 Warrior, registration G-ELZN, manufactured in 1984. It was powered by a single Lycoming O-320-D3G piston engine. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence, was 32 years old, and had a total flying experience of 80 hours, of which 8 hours were on type. In the 90 days preceding the accident, he had flown 14 hours, with 3 hours in the last 28 days.
History of the Flight
On 13 June 2007, the pilot flew from Peterborough (Sibson) to East Kirkby Airfield, Lincolnshire, with three passengers. The weather forecast had been good but with a risk of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. The return flight was delayed due to a thunderstorm near East Kirkby. The pilot contacted the meteorological office at RAF Coningsby, who advised a 50% chance of weather improvement. Around 1900 hrs, the weather improved, and after confirming with Sibson Airfield that conditions were suitable, the pilot departed at 1945 hrs.
After a circuit at 500 ft to assess conditions, the pilot set course for Peterborough. While passing Boston, approximately halfway along the planned track, the weather began to deteriorate with low cloud, heavy rain, and poor visibility. The pilot descended to remain in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) and attempted to turn back toward East Kirkby but encountered difficulties maintaining VMC and became alarmed by several lightning flashes. He then contacted the Distress and Diversion cell on 121.5 MHz requesting vectors to Peterborough, but the heading led into worse weather with lower cloud and more lightning.
Forced Landing and Aftermath
At 300 ft in poor visibility with heavy rain and lightning all around, the pilot decided to make a forced landing. He declared a MAYDAY and turned toward a field that appeared suitable. The aircraft landed in a field near Fosdyke, Lincolnshire. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a ditch and came to a standstill. The pilot and three passengers were uninjured and vacated the aircraft normally.
Damage was sustained to the propeller, right wing, right main landing gear, and nose landing gear. The event occurred at 2015 hrs UTC.