What happened
On 2 March 2008, a Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer III, registration G-MPAA, was conducting a private flight from Biggin Hill to Rochester Airfield. The pilot was approaching the grass runway 34, having been informed of surface winds from 290 degrees at 18 knots. To manage the gusting crosswind and the aircraft's weight, the pilot utilized one stage of flap and maintained a crabbing technique.
During the approach, the aircraft experienced an initial touchdown that resulted in a bounce. In an effort to stabilize the aircraft following this bounce, the pilot reduced back pressure on the control column and applied a small amount of power. This maneuver led to a second touchdown where the nosewheel struck the runway surface before the main landing gear. The impact caused damage to the nosewheel spat and the engine frame.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight sequence and the aircraft's configuration. While the pilot had intended to use a slightly higher approach speed due to the wind and weight, the investigation noted that the aircraft touched down at approximately 75 kt. The AAIB consulted flying instructors, who suggested that using two stages of flap would have been more appropriate for the gusting crosswind conditions.
Physical evidence from the runway included five pieces of the nosewheel spat. A subsequent inspection by the maintenance provider confirmed that the damage was limited to the nosewheel spat and the engine frame, with no evidence of propeller contact with the ground.