Accident
On 31 October 2004 at 1530 UTC, a Piper PA-38-112, registration G-BNSL, struck a fence at Pembrey Airport, Carmarthenshire, during a solo training flight. The aircraft sustained minor damage to its left wing; the pilot, a 78-year-old student with 425 hours total flying experience (14 on type), was uninjured.
Aircraft and Location
The aircraft was a 1981 Piper PA-38-112 powered by a single Lycoming O-235-L2C piston engine. Pembrey Airport's Runway 22, which was in use, had a concrete surface with a Landing Distance Available (LDA) of 767 metres. A wire mesh fence approximately five feet high was located at the end of the runway, requiring pilots to turn through 180° at the end of the landing roll to backtrack.
Flight Details
After a 15-minute dual circuit flight with an instructor, the student pilot was briefed and commenced solo circuits. Weather conditions were good with a calm surface wind. Over approximately 45 minutes, the pilot performed various circuits, including go-arounds and touch-and-go landings.
Sequence of Events
During the final landing, the pilot configured the aircraft with full flap and touched down on the runway threshold at the correct speed. No rudder application was needed to maintain the centreline. The pilot perceived that the aircraft's retardation was less than anticipated. As the aircraft approached the fence, the pilot attempted to turn right, but the left wing tip contacted the fence. The pilot brought the aircraft to a halt and shut down the engine.
Pilot's Report
In an honest report, the pilot acknowledged that he had misjudged the aircraft's retardation in calm conditions and had applied the brakes too late.