Accident Summary
On 22 June 2001 at 1107 hours UTC, a Piper PA-32-300, registration G-OCPF, experienced a runway excursion while landing at Guernsey Airport in the Channel Islands. The aircraft, manufactured in 1976 and powered by a single Lycoming IO-540-K1G5 piston engine, was on a private flight from Exeter. On board were the pilot and three passengers. No injuries were reported among the occupants.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The commander held a Private Pilot's Licence and was 46 years old, with a total flying experience of 296 hours, including 36 hours on the type. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 7 hours, and 4 hours in the last 28 days. The aircraft was equipped with rudder pedal actuated nosewheel steering and toe brakes on both left and right rudder pedals. A passenger occupied the right front seat alongside the pilot.
Landing and Excursion
The aircraft landed on Runway 27 at Guernsey after a normal touchdown. As the speed decreased through 50 to 40 knots, the aircraft suddenly veered sharply to the left, departed the paved surface, and came to rest on the grass. The nose landing gear collapsed during the event, and the propeller sustained damage.
Engineering Findings
A subsequent engineering inspection revealed no aircraft defect that could have accounted for the runway excursion. The aircraft's systems and controls were found to be functioning normally.
Pilot Remarks
The pilot noted that the passenger was engaged in video photography at the time of the landing. The possibility of an inadvertent rudder pedal or toe brake input by the passenger could not be discounted. The pilot also indicated that he had not specifically briefed the passenger—who was not a regular flyer in light aircraft—about the need to remain clear of the flight controls during critical phases of flight.