Accident Details
On 15 October 2011 at 1325 UTC, a Piper PA-28-181 aircraft, registration N4514X, was involved in an accident at Cambridge Airport during a private flight. The pilot, the sole occupant, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had 443 total flying hours, of which 384 were on type. In the previous 90 days, he had logged 17 hours, with only 1 hour in the last 28 days. The aircraft, manufactured in 1975, was powered by a single Lycoming O&VO-360 SER piston engine.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was conducting a touch-and-go landing on Runway 23. According to the pilot’s report, a crosswind from the left was reported as 140° at 9 kt, varying between 080° and 190°. During the landing roll, the left wing lifted, causing the aircraft to roll about the nose gear and right main gear such that the right wingtip contacted the ground. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, and the aircraft turned rapidly to the left, exiting the paved runway onto grass. During this excursion, the nosewheel struck a runway landing light. The nose gear then collapsed, allowing the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft came to a stop approximately 10 m from the side of the runway.
Damage and Injuries
The propeller, engine, nosewheel, and a runway light were damaged. No injuries were reported among the crew (the pilot).
Investigation
The information for this report was derived from an Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot.
Probable Cause
The investigation did not state a probable cause.