What happened
On 21 July 1998, a Piper PA-38-112, registration G-BPER, was conducting a dual circuit training flight at Welshpool Airport, Wales. During the approach to runway 22, which was subject to a 15-knot wind from 220°, the student pilot failed to execute a proper flare. This resulted in a flat touchdown and a subsequent bounce of the aircraft.
In response to the bounce, the instructor took control of the aircraft. To maintain flying speed, the instructor applied full power, deselected the carburettor heat, and raised the drag flap. During this recovery attempt, the aircraft began rolling to the left. Although the instructor applied right aileron and rudder to counteract the roll, the left wing dropped, triggering the stall warning. The aircraft veered off the runway, striking a wire fence before coming to a halt on the grass at a 90-degree angle to the runway.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry examined the flight dynamics following the improper touchdown and the subsequent actions taken by the crew to recover the aircraft. The investigation noted that the crew, consisting of two persons, escaped the no injuries sustained during the event and were able to evacuate the aircraft without difficulty.
Findings
- The initial cause of the instability was an incorrect flare by the student pilot, leading to a flat landing and a bounce.
- A gust of wind contributed to the aircraft entering a stall at an altitude that precluded an effective recovery.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage specifically to the nose landing gear.