Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28R-201T, registered G-OOTC, manufactured in 1977. It was powered by a single Continental TSIO-360-F piston engine. The flight was a private flight with two crew and one passenger on board. The commander, aged 44, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had a total flying experience of 69 hours, including 13 hours on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 10 hours, and in the last 28 days, 9 hours.
Accident Circumstances
The flight departed Jersey at approximately 1430 hrs. The aircraft joined overhead Andrewsfield and descended to 700 feet above ground level to join the right-hand circuit. The first approach was too high, prompting a go-around. On the second approach, the aircraft crossed the threshold at about 50 feet agl and 75 knots indicated airspeed. It floated and touched down approximately 300 metres before the end of the 799-metre-long grass runway 27L, which was wet from recent rain. The surface wind was 180° at 5 knots.
Accident Sequence
Following touchdown, gentle braking was applied, but the aircraft skidded to the left. The pilot was unable to prevent the aircraft from overrunning the runway. It impacted a small bank, crossed a road, and came to rest in an adjacent field. The engine was shut down. Both occupants, who were wearing lap and diagonal upper torso restraints, escaped without injury. The aircraft was damaged beyond economic repair.