Aircraft and Flight Information
The aircraft, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N4144N), was manufactured in 2000 and powered by a Lycoming O-360-A4M piston engine. The flight was private, with a pilot and one passenger on board. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence, was 62 years old, and had accumulated 389 total flying hours, including 150 hours on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 13 hours, and in the last 28 days, 4 hours.
Accident Sequence
On 22 October 2011 at 1110 hours, the aircraft was landing on asphalt Runway 08 at Alderney Airport. The reported wind was 170° at 14 kt; the aircraft's maximum demonstrated crosswind limit is 17 kt. During the landing, the aircraft bounced and then drifted to the left of the runway centreline. On the second touchdown, the left mainwheel struck a runway edge light, which rendered the left brake inoperative. Approaching the end of the runway, the pilot applied heavy right wheel braking and right rudder with the intent of making a 180° turn. The aircraft departed the right side of the runway, struck a wooden fence post, and came to a stop.
Damage and Injuries
The left brake was damaged and the left wing was dented. The pilot and passenger were uninjured and exited the aircraft through the cabin door.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot considered that the cause of the accident was the inability to control the left drift following the initial touchdown.