Casualties unknown

2003-01-18: PIPER PA-32RT-300 (G-TFYN) — Leicester Airport, GB

Leicester Airport, GB

On January 18, 2003, a PIPER PA-32RT-300 (registration G-TFYN) was involved in an aviation accident near Leicester Airport, GB. This summary draws on records from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

Sourcesthe UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)Primary reportUpdated 1785658417Data APIEditorial standards

On 18 January 2003, a Piper PA-32RT-300 Cherokee Lance II overran runway 15 at Leicester Airport after a wet landing, coming to rest in a boggy field with the nose pitched down. The pilot was uninjured.

Accident Details

On 18 January 2003 at 1410 UTC, a Piper PA-32RT-300 Cherokee Lance II (registration G-TFYN) operated on a private flight from Bourn to Leicester Airport. The pilot, a 59-year-old male holding a Private Pilot's Licence with 625 total flying hours (41 on type), was the sole occupant.

Landing and Overrun

The aircraft landed on the wet asphalt surface of Runway 15, which measures 495 by 18 metres. The pilot reported that the cloud was broken at 3,000 feet with occasional light showers, but he could not recall the surface wind. The aircraft was observed to touch down approximately halfway along the runway. After touchdown, the pilot applied the brakes firmly but the aircraft did not appear to decelerate. A further application of the brakes also failed to produce sufficient slowing. Believing the aircraft would not stop within the remaining runway length, the pilot applied full power to initiate a go-around. However, before becoming airborne, the aircraft ran onto an open, boggy field at the departure end of the runway and pitched onto its nose.

Aftermath

The pilot, who was uninjured, vacated the aircraft without assistance. The airfield fire and rescue services arrived promptly, checked for leaking fuel, and confirmed that the master switches and fuel were selected off. Local fire brigade and ambulance services arrived shortly thereafter.

Damage

The engine, propeller, nose wheel, and firewall sustained damage.