Accident
At 1112 hours UTC on 27 October 2005, a Piper PA-38-112, registration G-OATS, was involved in an accident at Sheffield (City) Airport, Yorkshire. The aircraft, manufactured in 1978 and powered by a single Lycoming O-235-L2C piston engine, was being operated on a private flight. The pilot, aged 55 and holding a Private Pilot's Licence with 204 total flying hours (169 on type), was the sole occupant onboard along with one passenger.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported joining the circuit for Runway 10. The surface wind was southerly at 8 to 10 knots, and turbulence was encountered on the base leg and final approach. On the first approach, the pilot overshot the centreline and initiated a go-around at 400 feet. During the subsequent circuit, the turn onto final approach was again wide, but the pilot regained the extended centreline and elected to use only the first stage of flap due to the turbulence.
As the pilot commenced the flare, the airspeed had increased to 85 to 90 knots. The normal approach speed for the aircraft is 70 knots with two stages of flap. The pilot then held the aircraft off the runway, with the throttle closed, in order to lose speed prior to touchdown. The aircraft landed hard on the main landing gear and bounced. The pilot was unable to regain control, and the aircraft bounced twice more. On the third bounce, the nose landing gear collapsed.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was considered beyond economic repair. The pilot sustained minor injuries; the passenger reported no injuries. Both occupants vacated the aircraft without difficulty, and there was no fire.
Pilot's Report
The pilot reported that, with hindsight, he believed he should have used the second stage of flaps and that a go-around would have prevented the accident.