What happened
On 15 December 2001, a Piper PA-34-220T Seneca IV, registration G-BZTG, was conducting a private flight from Alderney to Little Snoring Airfield in Norfolk. The weather conditions upon arrival were favorable, characterized by good visibility and a light north-westerly wind.
During the approach to Runway 10, the pilot observed a pile of sugar beet positioned near the right side of the runway threshold. This observation caused a distraction, leading the pilot to flare the aircraft at an excessive height. The subsequent hard landing caused the left main tyre to burst. Following touchdown, the aircraft veered to the left and exited the paved surface, traveling into an adjacent ploughed field. The impact resulted in the collapse of both the nose and left main landing gears, and the propellers sustained shock loading from striking the ground.
There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers, all of whom were wearing appropriate safety harnesses.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of events leading to the loss of control on the runway surface. It was noted that the runways at Little Snoring are unlicensed, meaning they are not subject to the same obstacle clearance regulations as licensed airfields.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was pilot distraction caused by observing an object near the runway threshold.
- The high flare resulting from this distraction led to a hard landing.
- The burst tyre and subsequent loss of directional control caused the aircraft to leave the runway surface.