What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-12-11 involved a Piper PA-32-260 Cherokee Six, registration G-BHGO, at Eshott Airfield, Northumberland, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the aircraft veering off the runway could not be determined, but the incident was likely influenced by gusty wind conditions, potential pilot distraction during the approach, or an accidental control input.

Piper Cherokee Six veers off runway at Eshott Airfield

A private flight involving a Piper PA-32-260 Cherokee Six resulted in a ground excursion and serious injury during landing in gusty conditions.

What happened

On 11 December 2005, a Piper PA-32-260 Cherokee Six, registration G-BHGO, was conducting a private scenic flight from Eshott Airfield to Newcastle and back. The flight included the pilot and four passengers. During the return approach to Runway 26, the pilot encountered significant turbulence and gusty winds, with winds reported at 230° at 17 to 21 kt.

Following a touchdown on the paved runway, the aircraft initially tracked straight for approximately 35 metres. However, the aircraft then suddenly veered to the left. The pilot, initially suspecting a tyre failure, attempted to apply full right rudder, but the input was ineffective. Upon applying the brakes, the aircraft skidded off the runway edge and struck a two-foot-high soil embankment. The aircraft continued to roll forward, striking three wooden fence posts. The impact caused significant damage to the fuselage, wing, horizontal stabiliser, engine, propeller, and landing gear, rendering the aircraft beyond economic repair.

While the cabin remained largely intact, the impact resulted in one serious injury and one minor injury among the passengers.

The investigation

The AAIB investigation examined the circumstances of the loss of control and reviewed photographs of the wreckage. The investigation noted that the aircraft's nose leg had sustained a slight bend, but the nose wheel remained functional. Photographic evidence confirmed that the damage to the left wing leading edge and the left side of the horizontal stabiliser was consistent with the impact with the fence posts and embankment.

Investigators also looked into the cockpit environment. There were conflicting accounts regarding the interaction between the pilot and the front-seat passenger during the approach. The pilot noted that the passenger was chatting, which required him to request silence, whereas the passenger claimed he had been instructed not to touch the controls. Due to a lack of recorded flight data or independent witnesses, the exact sequence of events leading to the veer could not be definitively confirmed.

Findings

The precise cause of the loss of control on the ground could not be established.

Gusty wind conditions were present during the landing.

The pilot's distraction during the final approach, caused by the need to manage the passenger, may have contributed to the incident.

An accidental control input, such as an inadvertent rudder movement, could have been a contributory factor.