What happened
On 27 September 2011, a Piper PA-3 and Seneca V, registration N199PS, was conducting a private flight to Bembridge Airport on the Isle of Wight. During the approach to Runway 12, the pilot encountered an unexpected downward slope on the runway, a feature not noted in the pilot's reference materials.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced an initial bounce. This was followed by a second, more significant bounce. The pilot subsequently performed a go-around, and the second approach and landing were completed smoothly. Following the shutdown of the engines, an inspection revealed damage to the tips of the right propeller and a crease in the right wing. There were no injuries to the pilot or the five passengers on board.
The investigation
The investigation, based on the pilot's accident report and further enquiries, examined the circumstances leading to the impact. The pilot noted that several passengers had become airsick and vomited during the flight, which served as a distraction.
Technical inspections of the aircraft's right wing were conducted by a repair agency. The investigation established that there were no pre-existing conditions or structural weaknesses in the damaged area of the wing prior to the incident. The aircraft's weight and balance were confirmed to be within the required limits for landing.
Findings
- The pilot's unfamiliarity with the runway's downward slope contributed to the initial landing instability.
- The presence of airsick passengers acted as a secondary distraction during the landing phase.
- The primary cause of the damage was the second, harder bounce during the landing sequence.