History of the Flight
On 25 August 2006 at 1411 UTC, a Piper PA-32R-300 Lance (registration G-DTCP) was taxiing at Cranfield Airport, Bedfordshire, toward holding point A1 for Runway 21. The aircraft was on a private flight from Cranfield to Farnborough, piloted by a single commander holding an Air Transport Pilot's Licence, aged 51, with 26,000 total flying hours (including 160 hours on type). As the aircraft passed the crossing for Runway 18, the GPS assembly fell from the right instrument panel, pulling its wiring. The unit had been secured with double-sided sticky tape; the commander suggested that ambient heat had softened the tape, reducing adhesion.
The commander attempted to catch the falling GPS assembly while the aircraft was still moving, requiring him to stretch across the right seat. The aircraft continued along the taxiway, which included a right then left bend. Distracted, the aircraft drifted left of the centre line and departed the hard surface. The commander tried to regain the taxiway using rudder pedals, but the nosewheel sank into a "french" drain alongside the taxiway, causing the nosewheel to collapse. This resulted in a damaged propeller, shockloading, and crushed engine exhaust stubs.
Commander's Remarks
The commander did not suffer any injuries and exited the aircraft normally. He admitted in hindsight that he should not have been distracted by the falling GPS assembly and should have stopped the aircraft before dealing with it. Following the accident, he now checks the security of all temporary instruments.
The aircraft had been manufactured in 1977 and was equipped with one Lycoming IO-540-K1G5D piston engine. No other occupants or injuries were reported.