Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee, registration G-AVNU, manufactured in 1967. It was powered by a single Lycoming O-360-A4A piston engine. The flight was conducted under a Private Pilot's Licence.
Flight History
On 27 August 2007 at 1703 UTC, the aircraft landed on asphalt Runway 03 at Lydd Airport, Kent. Shortly after touchdown, the aircraft swung to the left and the right wing lifted. The aircraft continued turning through 180 degrees and ran onto the grass adjacent to the runway. The reported surface wind was 330 degrees at 8 knots. Both the pilot and the passenger were uninjured and vacated the aircraft through the normal exits.
Damage and Inspection
The accident resulted in damage to the lower nose oleo, which was bent, and a small crack to one torque link. The pilot assessed that nose gear failure was the most likely cause of the accident. However, a post-accident inspection by a maintenance company revealed no pre-existing defects.
Pilot Information
The pilot was 62 years old and held a Private Pilot's Licence. He had accumulated 1,700 total flying hours, of which 1,450 were on the accident aircraft type. In the 90 days preceding the accident, he flew 31 hours, with 14 hours in the last 28 days.