Introduction
On 3 March 2012, a Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk (registration G-BRSJ) was involved in an accident during landing at Swansea Airport. The aircraft, manufactured in 1981 and powered by a single Lycoming O-235-L2C piston engine, was being operated on a private flight with one pilot and one passenger on board.
The Flight
The pilot, aged 49 and holding a Private Pilot's Licence with 168 total flying hours (34 on type), reported that he had flown only 2 hours in the last 90 days and 1 hour in the last 28 days. He took off from Runway 22 with a reported wind of 220° at 15 to 20 kt. The pilot stated that he was not comfortable controlling the aircraft in the gusty conditions and therefore elected to land back onto the runway from approximately 30 to 40 ft above ground level.
The Landing
The landing resulted in the nosewheel collapsing and the aircraft sliding to a halt on the runway. Both occupants were uninjured. The aircraft sustained extensive damage.
Outcome
The pilot attributed the accident to his misjudgment of the landing. The AAIB investigation was based on the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot.