What happened
On 8 September 2008, a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee, registration G-BODM, was conducting a private flight when it experienced an excursion during landing at Clutton Hill Farm, Bristol. The aircraft was attempting to land on a grass runway that was notably wet at the time of the approach.
During the landing roll, the aircraft began to drift toward the left side of the runway. Despite the pilot applying full right rudder to correct the path, the aircraft continued to deviate. The aircraft eventually struck a hedge located at the end of the runway, resulting in severe damage to the left wingtip. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board.
The investigation
Investigators examined the environmental conditions and the aircraft's handling during the touchdown. It was determined that a wind gust occurred during the landing phase. While the wind was forecast to be 5 knots from the left, the pilot reported that the actual gust was significantly stronger than anticipated. This sudden gust caused the aircraft to weathercock toward the left. The investigation also noted that the wet condition of the grass surface played a critical role in the pilot's inability to maintain directional control after the initial weathercock effect occurred.