History of the Flight
The pilot, flying a Piper PA-28-236 Dakota (G-BGXS), planned a private flight from Gamston Airfield near Retford to Rufforth near York. Having never flown to Rufforth before, he consulted the airfield's website, which indicated that the former WWII heavy bomber airfield was divided into Rufforth East and Rufforth West. Rufforth East was operated by a microlight club, while Rufforth West was used by a gliding club.
The pilot found the Rufforth East website, which included a Flying Order Book with cautions about avoiding the western area. The website also provided circuit patterns, a circuit height of 500 ft, and a safetycom frequency. The pilot checked the weather and NOTAMs before departure, and a friend obtained prior permission (PPR) for landing at Rufforth, though the aircraft type was not discussed.
After performing two touch-and-go circuits at Gamston to regain familiarity, the pilot departed. En route, he avoided areas of glider activity. Upon arrival at Rufforth, he noted that Runway 36 at Rufforth West seemed suitable for his aircraft, but he believed that area was reserved for gliders. Instead, he made blind calls on the Rufforth East safetycom, stating his intention to land on Runway 06. A pilot on the ground responded, confirming the active runway and reminding him to avoid a nearby farmhouse.
The pilot joined a right-hand circuit at 500 ft, avoiding the farmhouse. However, he found the turn onto finals difficult. With full flap, fine propeller pitch, and throttle closed, he brought the aircraft over the runway centreline but realized too much runway had been used. He considered a go-around but continued, and despite shutting down the engine and applying full braking, the aircraft ran off the end of the runway, through a barrier, across a perimeter road, and came to a halt in rough grass and shrubs. The pilot shut down all systems and vacated the aircraft normally. The aircraft sustained damage to its propeller blades, wing fuel drain valve, spats, and engine compartment. The pilot was uninjured.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot provided a critical appraisal of his actions, identifying a chain of errors and assumptions. He considered that the first error was misidentifying Rufforth East as suitable for his aircraft, having assumed the circuit instructions on the website were intended for light aircraft. He noted that consulting more authoritative documents, such as Pooley's Flight Guide, would have shown that the runway at Rufforth East was designated for microlights only.
The pilot further noted that he had not personally arranged PPR; had he done so, the aircraft type might have been discussed. Conversations with other club members and the brief exchange with the gyroplane on the ground did not correct his misconception. Finally, he considered that he allowed circuit restrictions to override his judgment: he should have flown a circuit that was safe and reasonable for his aircraft, rather than attempting to comply with restrictions that were not applicable.