What happened
On 27 December 2004, a Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II, registration G-BPAY, was returning to Leicester Airport following a flight from Wellsbourne Airfield. The pilot intended to land on Runway 28; however, the active runway had been changed to Runway 22, which was significantly shorter than the original intended strip.
During the approach, the pilot configured the aircraft with two stages of flap. As the aircraft approached the threshold, the pilot identified that the flight was too low and increased power to correct the descent. This maneuver resulted in the approach speed increasing from 65 kt to 75 kt. Upon touchdown near the threshold, the pilot attempted to use the wheel brakes, but noted a sensation of skidding. After several attempts to reapply the brakes, the aircraft failed to stop within the remaining distance of Runway 22. The aircraft overran the asphalt surface and entered a ploughed field, leading to the collapse of the nosewheel and starboard undercarriage, as well as damage to the engine cowlings and propeller.
There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight parameters and the pilot's recent experience. It was noted that the pilot had not used any runway other than 28/10 at Leicester for more than a year. The investigation also revealed that the aircraft had a history of a similar incident at the same location in July 2001, involving an overrun on Runway 22 due to an excessively fast approach.
Findings
- The pilot's approach speed was abnormally fast due to a late power correction to compensate for a low descent.
- The pilot's mental model of the landing was based on the dimensions of Runway 28, failing to account for the 450-metre reduction in length on Runway 22.
- The pilot had limited recent experience with the specific runway in use.