Aircraft and Crew
On 8 September 2008, at 1300 hours, a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee, registration G-BODM, was involved in an accident at Clutton Hill Farm, Bristol. The aircraft was manufactured in 1973 and powered by a Lycoming O-360-A4A piston engine. It was on a private flight with one pilot and one passenger on board; neither sustained injuries. The commander, aged 69, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had 483 total flying hours, with 350 hours on type. His recent flying experience included 9 hours in the last 90 days and 4 hours in the last 28 days.
Accident Sequence
According to the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot, the approach was made to land on a wet grass runway. The wind was forecast to be 5 knots from the left. Just after touchdown, a gust of wind, which the pilot considered significantly in excess of the forecast, caused the aircraft to weathercock to the left. Despite the application of full right rudder, the aircraft drifted towards the left side of the runway. The left wingtip then struck the end of a hedge, resulting in severe damage to the left wingtip. The pilot reported that he was unable to regain directional control following the initial weathercock because the grass was wet.