History of the Flight
On 18 October 2000 at 1555 hours, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration G-AVNS) departed on a private flight from Andrewsfield (Saling) Aerodrome, Essex. During the takeoff roll in a rain shower, the pilot experienced significantly reduced forward visibility. Because the grass runway was wet, he decided to continue rather than abort the takeoff.
After becoming airborne, the pilot assessed that forward visibility was sufficient for a circuit and observed that visibility through the side windows was notably better than through the front windscreen. On the first approach to land, the limited forward visibility made it difficult to judge the flare. When the aircraft began to float, the pilot immediately initiated a go-around.
For the second approach, the pilot employed a series of 'S' turns and side-slips to use the improved visibility available through the side windows to judge the approach. This technique proved successful; the landing flare and initial touchdown were uneventful.
However, shortly after touchdown, the aircraft struck a bump in the runway, launching it back into the air. The pilot's initial reaction was to apply back pressure on the control column to cushion the subsequent touchdown. Due to the impaired visibility, it became difficult to judge the aircraft's height, and the aircraft struck the ground again. The pilot began applying power to initiate another go-around, but before he could complete the process, the nose oleo collapsed and the aircraft came rapidly to a halt on the runway.
The pilot and his passenger vacated the aircraft uninjured through the normal exit.
Pilot's Report
In his report, the pilot stated that a slightly dirty windscreen, which prevented the rain from clearing normally, could have caused the poor forward visibility. He also remarked that, with hindsight, it would have been better to hold clear of the airfield until the rain stopped before landing.