What happened
On 19 August 2006, a Piper PA-28R-200-2 Cherokee Arrow II, registration G-BCGS, was completing a private flight from Compton Abbas, Dorset, to its home base at Little Gransden Airfield, Cambridgeshire. During the landing phase at Runway 28, the pilot encountered turbulent crosswinds. To maintain better control in these conditions, the pilot opted for an intermediate flap setting and a higher approach speed, approximately 15 mph above the standard rate.
Because the airfield radio was unattended, the pilot was unaware that recent heavy rainfall had left the grass runway surface extremely wet. The aircraft touched down approximately one third of the way down the runway at 85 mph. Due to the high speed and the slippery surface, the application of toe brakes provided negligible deceleration, and the aircraft began to skid. After attempting to use the parking brake in short bursts with limited success, the pilot chose not to initiate a go-around to avoid encountering rough ground during a turn. The aircraft exited the runway markings, causing the right main landing gear to collapse as it traveled through a 90-degree turn, eventually coming to rest two metres beyond the runway end.
There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's performance capabilities and the environmental conditions at the airfield. It was established that the pilot had obtained a Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) for Cambridge that predicted showers, but the visual conditions overhead did not suggest recent rain. The investigation also reviewed the landing distance requirements, noting that while the unfactored landing distance required on a dry tarmac runway was 411 metres, the presence of wet grass significantly altered the braking effectiveness.
Findings
- The pilot maintained a higher approach speed and used an intermediate flap setting to manage turbulence.
- The pilot was unaware of the wet grass surface caused by recent heavy showers.
- The high approach speed, combined with the lack of braking action on the wet grass, made it impossible to stop within the remaining runway length.
- The pilot's decision not to perform a go-around was influenced by the aircraft's low speed and the desire to avoid rough terrain beyond the runway.