What happened
On 23 August 2009, a Piper PA-32R-300 Cherokee Lance, registration G-BTCA, was conducting a private flight from Jersey to Alderney. During the approach to Alderney Airport, the aircraft was flying at approximately 950 ft under instructions to remain below 1,000 ft. As the aircraft approached the island, a bank of sea fog moved in from the south, reducing visibility and causing the pilot to temporarily lose sight of the airfield.
While established on a left base for runway 26, the pilot reduced airspeed to 120 kt and configured the aircraft with two stages of flap. During a descending left turn, the right wing lifted unexpectedly, and the aircraft's nose raised higher than anticipated. The airspeed dropped to 60 kt, triggering the stall warning horn. In an attempt to recover, the pilot lowered the nose and applied full power; however, the stall warning recurred. The pilot then pushed the nose further down, but the aircraft continued to bank increasingly to the left. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground just before and slightly to the left of the runway threshold.
Following the impact, a fire broke out on the left side of the aircraft near the outer fuel tank. All four occupants—the pilot and three passengers—successfully evacuated the aircraft. The pilot sustained minor injuries, as did the three passengers.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the weather conditions, and the pilot's maneuvers. Investigators noted that the aircraft's landing gear had collapsed upon impact, and the left wing suffered severe damage and breakage. The investigation also reviewed the weather logs, which showed wind conditions of 190 degrees at 6 knots, though the presence of low-level scattered clouds and sea fog was confirmed.
Findings
- The aircraft was flying through low-level scattered clouds, which caused a temporary loss of visual contact with the runway.
- The pilot's response to the loss of visual contact may have involved tightening the turn, which increased the stall speed.
- A sudden gust of wind or thermal may have precipitated a stalling condition as the aircraft was already at a high angle of bank.
- The aircraft struck the ground short and slightly to the left of the runway threshold.