What happened
On 31 May 2003, a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee, registration G-AXOR, was conducting a private cross-country flight from Redhill, Surrey, to Cromer (Northrepps) Airfield in Norfolk. During the approach to Runway 18, the pilot performed a right-hand descending turn after initially overflying the airfield on a northerly heading. During this maneuver, the airfield was briefly obscured from view. Upon regaining visual contact, the pilot noted the aircraft was slightly above the required glide path.
As the aircraft continued its approach, it remained high and appeared to be overshooting the intended touchdown zone. Shortly after, the aircraft experienced a rapid descent. Despite the pilot applying full power, the aircraft struck the bank of an elevated road that crosses the approach path just before the runway threshold. The impact resulted in the detachment of all three landing gears, structural buckling, and a dented propeller. The aircraft slid on its belly before coming to rest on the left side of the runway. The accident resulted in one serious and two minor injuries among the passengers, while the pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight path, the aircraft's configuration, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators noted that the pilot had performed standard pre-landing checks, including the staged deployment of flaps and the activation of carburettor heat. The investigation also looked into the passenger restraint systems, noting that while the front occupants were secured with lap and shoulder harnesses, the rear passengers were only equipped with lap belts.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating at a relatively high gross weight.
- The pilot's need to land near the runway threshold for performance reasons influenced the approach profile.
- The activation of carburettor heat was noted as a contributing factor.
- A downdraft caused by differential heating between the tarmac road and the adjacent field was identified as the likely cause of the sudden sink rate.
- The lack of shoulder harnesses for the rear passengers may have contributed to the severity of the injuries sustained by the passenger in the right rear seat.