What happened
On 26 May 2012, a Piper PA-28-236 Dakota, registration G-BGXS, was conducting a private flight from Gamston Airfield to Rufforth. Upon arrival, the pilot intended to land at the eastern section of the airfield. Based on information found on a website, the pilot believed this area was suitable for his aircraft, though the site was specifically intended for microlight and gyroplane operations.
To comply with noise-sensitive area restrictions and avoid a specific farmhouse, the pilot joined a right-hand circuit at 50 and attempted a landing on Runway 06. During the approach, the pilot realized the turn to final was too tight, having used excessive runway to reach the threshold. Despite applying full flaps, fine pitch, and maximum braking, the aircraft failed to stop within the runway limits. The aircraft ran off the end of the runway, breached a barrier, crossed a perimeter road, and came to rest in rough vegetation. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's preparation and the information used to plan the arrival. It was established that the pilot had relied on a website for the 'Rufforth Airfield East Flying Order Book' which contained instructions for light aircraft, but he had misidentified the specific suitability of the airfield for a larger aircraft type. The investigation also looked into the pilot's communication regarding Prior Permission Required (PPR) status and the circuit patterns flown.
Findings
- The pilot misidentified Rufforth East as being appropriate for the Piper PA-28-236 Dakota.
- The pilot relied on website information that was intended for microlights rather than consulting more authoritative sources like Pooley’s Flight Guide, which would have indicated the runway was for microlights only.
- The pilot did not personally contact the airfield to arrange PPR, which might have clarified the aircraft type limitations.
- The pilot allowed circuit restrictions to override his judgment regarding the safety of the approach, attempting a turn that was not suitable for the aircraft's performance.