What happened
On 9 June 2009, a Piper PA-28R-201 Cherokee Arrow III, registration G-HERB, was conducting a private flight from Rochester Airport to Deanland Airfield to have a transponder installed. During the flight, the pilot encountered weather conditions consisting of broken cloud and light drizzle. Due to the low visibility, the pilot performed a wide circuit to maintain a safe altitude.
During the second approach to Runway 24, the aircraft was flying at 85 knots, which was 10 knots above the recommended approach speed. This resulted in the aircraft touching down approximately 20 to 30 feet further down the runway than usual. The grass runway surface was notably wet and partially waterlogged. Upon applying the brakes, the aircraft began to skid, prompting the pilot to initiate an immediate go-around by applying full power and adjusting the flaps to the takeoff position.
As the aircraft accelerated, the rotation took longer than normal, likely due to the resistance from the wet, soft surface. The aircraft became airborne at approximately 420 metres into the runway. However, the aircraft failed to clear a substantial hedge located at the upwind end of the runway. The left wingtip struck the hedge at a height of roughly 15 feet, causing the aircraft to yaw left. The right wing subsequently struck the ground, and the aircraft rotated 180 degrees before coming to a halt. There were no injuries to the pilot, and no fire occurred.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's performance capabilities and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. It was noted that the landing weight of G-HERB required a Landing Distance Required (LDR) of 434 metres and a Landing Ground Roll Distance Required (LGRDR) of 381 metres based on standard performance graphs.
Calculations performed during the investigation showed that applying a 35% safety factor for wet grass would increase the LDR to 585 metres and the LGRDR to 514 metres. The available landing distance available (LDA) at Deanland Airfield was only 457 metres. The investigation also reviewed the Pilot’s Operating Handbook, which advises pilots to evaluate the effects of non-standard conditions, such as grass or soft runways, on performance.
Findings
- The pilot's approach speed was 10 knots higher than the standard 75 knots, leading to a touchdown point further down the runway.
- The wet and waterlogged grass surface significantly reduced braking effectiveness and increased the takeoff run required.
- The combination of a high touchdown point and the increased distance needed to accelerate on the slippery surface meant the aircraft could not gain sufficient altitude to clear the hedge at the end of the runway.