Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-32-300, registration G-OSCC, manufactured in 1975. It was powered by a single Lycoming IO-540-K1A5 engine. The flight was a private trip with one pilot and three passengers on board. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 310 total flying hours, of which 108 were on type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 18 hours, and 12 hours in the last 28 days.
Approach and Landing
On 12 August 2001 at 1556 UTC, the pilot was performing an approach to Runway 24 at Fairoaks Airport, Chobham, Surrey. Weather conditions were good, with a surface wind of 230° at 10 to 15 knots. During short finals, the pilot realized the aircraft was too low. He increased power and reduced the rate of descent. The aircraft crossed the runway threshold at approximately 50 feet above ground level in a shallow descent and with a greater than normal pitch attitude. As power was reduced, the aircraft developed a high sink rate, touched down heavily, bounced, and then settled onto the runway.
Damage and Pilot's Remarks
After shutdown, examination of the aircraft revealed substantial damage to the right wing spar. The pilot reported that in hindsight, he should have aborted the landing and carried out a go-around instead.