What happened
On 15 April 2007, a Piper PA-28-161, registration G-OBFC, departed Bournemouth Airport for a flight to Henstridge Airfield. While the weather was initially clear, visibility began to degrade significantly due to haze as the aircraft progressed north-west. During the approach, the alternator warning light illuminated, prompting the pilot to cycle the alternator switch to extinguish the light. Concerned about a potential electrical failure in the worsening visibility, the pilot sought to land at Henstrally without delay.
Upon arriving at the airfield, the pilot was informed that a right-hand circuit was in use. Due to the haze, the pilot flew overhead the airfield before turning right to join the downwind leg, staying close to the ground to maintain visual contact. The aircraft was flying at approximately 2,000 ft agl. Despite using 40 degrees of flap and performing 'S' turns on final, the aircraft remained high on its approach.
The aircraft touched down approximately one-third of the way down the 750 m runway. The pilot applied heavy braking, but the aircraft could not be stopped before striking a boundary fence. The impact caused the port wing to strike the fence, resulting in the wing failing at its junction with the fuselage. This caused fuel to spill from a ruptured line, necessitating an intervention by the fire service. No injuries were sustained by the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's flight path, the aircraft's mechanical state, and the environmental conditions. It was established that the pilot was familiar with the aircraft but less experienced with operations involving short runways. The investigation also looked into the pilot's decision-making process regarding the approach and the timing of the landing attempt.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to abandon the landing at a point when it was still safe to do so.
- Poor visibility due to haze contributed to the pilot's difficulty in navigating and maintaining situational awareness.
- The use of a non-standard circuit at an unfamiliar airfield led to a high approach.
- The pilot was distracted by the illumination of the alternator warning light, creating perceived time pressure.
- The runway length was shorter than the pilot was accustomed to.
- A potential tailwind of up to 8 knots may have contributed to the increased landing distance.