Introduction
On 21 July 1998 at 1035 UTC, a Piper PA-38-112 aircraft, registration G-BPER, was involved in an incident at Welshpool Airport, Wales. The aircraft was engaged in dual circuit training with a student pilot at the controls.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-38-112, equipped with one Lycoming O-235-L2C piston engine, manufactured in 1982. The crew consisted of two persons: the commander, aged 21, holding a Commercial Pilot's Licence with a total flying experience of 275 hours, including 20 hours on type. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 55 hours, with 23 hours in the last 28 days. The student pilot was also on board.
Circumstances of the Incident
Runway 22 was in use, with a surface wind of 220 degrees at 15 knots. During the landing approach, the student pilot failed to flare the aircraft correctly, resulting in a flat landing that caused the aircraft to bounce. The instructor then assumed control, applying full power, deselecting the carburettor heat, and raising the drag flap. Following this, the aircraft rolled to the left. The instructor countered by applying right aileron and right rudder. However, the stall warning activated as the left wing dropped. The aircraft veered to the left, struck a wire fence, and came to rest on the grass at a 90-degree angle to the runway.
Outcome
The crew were uninjured and evacuated the aircraft without difficulty. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the nose landing gear.
Probable Cause
The instructor attributed the cause of the incident to a gust of wind that induced a stall at a height from which recovery was not possible.