What happened
On 13 February 1998, a Piper PA-3FR-200, registration G-AZOT, was conducting a private training flight at Peterborough (Sibson) Airport. The flight involved an experienced instructor and a student pilot holding a Basic Commercial Pilot's Licence, who was undergoing a type checkout.
During the approach to Runway 25, the handling pilot failed to deploy the final stage of flaps until the aircraft had descended to approximately 200 feet. This resulted in a high rate of descent, measured at 800 feet per minute. When the instructor requested additional power to correct the descent, the handling pilot failed to respond. The instructor subsequently attempted to take control of the aircraft and flare for landing while simultaneously trying to increase engine power. However, the instructor was unable to effectively manage the throttles because the handling pilot kept a hand on the controls. The aircraft subsequently made a heavy landing.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight dynamics and the physical interaction between the two occupants during the final stages of the approach. It was established that the aircraft sustained damage to the left main landing gear, the left propeller, both wings, and the stabilator. The investigation focused on the cockpit environment and the mechanical state of the throttle controls.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a high rate of descent due to the late deployment of flaps.
- The instructor was unable to override the handling pilot's physical interference with the throttle controls.
- Excessive friction within the throttle mechanism contributed to the difficulty in managing power settings during the emergency maneuver.