#pa28

Piper PA-28-121 Cherokee Archer II (G-BFDI) on approach to Cardiff Airport.

This particular aircraft was involved in runway excursion accident at Sibson Airport (Cambridgeshire) on June 24th, 1993. Below are extracts from the AAIB report:

“The pilot ... elected to land on [runway] 25. The first approach was seen to be high and culminated in a go-around from about 200 feet above the threshold. The second approach was seen to be made from a direction of about 210 degrees and resulted in a bounce from which a further go-around was initiated. A third approach from a similar direction ... was seen to result in the aircraft landing some 200 metres into the runway before becoming airborne again after a ground run of 150 metres. The aircraft touched down again in the area of the ‘07′ numbers and at this stage, the pilot initiated a go-around narrowly missing some trees ... “

“Following the third approach the pilot requested the use of another runway and was given 33.”

“... the landing was nose wheel first, at a point some 150 metres into the 424 metre runway. A flying instructor who was on the crosswind leg of a right hand circuit stated the aircraft landed well right of the runway and then veered to the left across the runway.”

“... the pilot could not prevent the aircraft from departing the left hand edge of the runway and striking a marker board designating the edge of the manoeuvring area. This board was mounted on non-frangible supports made out of one and a half inch angle iron, one of which penetrated the left wing leading edge causing the rupture of the integral fuel tank.”

“There was no fire and both occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft without difficulty.”

“The aircraft was later examined by an engineer from the aircraft’s maintenance organisation and subsequently flown back to Nottingham for repair”