What happened
On 15 April 2000, a Piper PA-28-180, registration G-AYAA, was conducting a private pleasure flight from Liverpool to Carlisle Airport. The weather conditions during the flight were reported as excellent, characterized by good visibility and light, variable winds.
As the aircraft approached Runway 19, the pilot executed a fast and high approach. This resulted in the aircraft bouncing upon contact with the runway. During the subsequent touchdown, the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the nose landing gear. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was able to exit the cockpit via the standard door without assistance. Emergency services from the airfield attended the scene, and there were no injuries reported.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the flight parameters during the final approach and the sequence of events leading to the impact with the runway surface.