AAIB Bulletin: 1/2012
Piper PA-34 Seneca V · Other Documents
Overview
This document is an accident report for the Piper PA-34 Seneca V, specifically registration N199PS. It details an incident that occurred on September 27, 2011, at Bembridge Airport, Isle of Wight. The report outlines the circumstances of the flight, including the pilot's experience and the events leading up to the accident. Notably, the aircraft experienced a bounce during landing, which led to a go-around. After landing, damage was discovered on the propeller tips and the right wing. The report also highlights the weight and balance of the aircraft being within limits at the time of the incident, indicating that the aircraft was properly loaded. This document serves as a critical analysis of the factors contributing to the accident and provides insights into the operational challenges faced by the pilot.
- Aircraft involved: Piper PA-34 Seneca V, registration N199PS.
- Pilot's total flying experience: 520 hours, with 66 hours on type.
- Incident occurred on September 27, 2011, at Bembridge Airport.
- Aircraft's weight and balance were within landing limits at the time of the incident.
- Damage noted on propeller tips and right wing after landing.
Document
Source
Originally published by assets.publishing.service.gov.uk. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Other Documents
- Year
- 2012
- Pages
- 1
- File size
- 208 KB
- Publisher
- assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
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In this document
Accident Overview
The accident involved the Piper PA-34 Seneca V, registration N199PS, during a private flight. The pilot, with 520 hours of experience, encountered unexpected bounces during landing, leading to a go-around. After landing, damage was noted on the propeller and wing.
Pilot Experience
The pilot held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had a total of 520 flying hours, with 66 hours on the Piper PA-34 Seneca V. In the last 90 days, he had flown 5 hours, and in the last 28 days, he had flown 2 hours.
Landing Conditions
The pilot was landing at an unfamiliar airfield and reported that the runway had a downward slope, which was not mentioned in his reference materials. This unexpected condition contributed to the landing difficulties.
Weight and Balance
The report confirms that the aircraft's weight and balance were within the landing limits at the time of the incident, indicating that the aircraft was properly loaded and balanced.
Damage Assessment
Post-incident inspections revealed damage to the tips of the right propeller and a crease in the right wing. The repair agency found no evidence of pre-existing conditions that could have contributed to the damage.
Safety notes
- Unexpected runway slope can contribute to landing difficulties.
- Pilot distraction from passenger discomfort may affect decision-making during critical phases of flight.
Full document text
27 © Crown copyright 2012 AAIB Bulletin: 1/2012 N199PS EW/G2011/09/24 ACCIDENT Aircraft Type and Registration: Piper PA-34 Seneca V, N199PS No & Type of Engines: 2 Continental Motors Corp LTSIO-360-RB piston engines Year of Manufacture: 1999 Date & Time (UTC): 27 September 2011 at 1705 hrs Location: Bembridge Airport, Isle of Wight Type of Flight: Private Persons on Board: Crew - 1 Passengers - 5 Injuries: Crew - None Passengers - None Nature of Damage: Propeller tips and right wing Commander’s Licence: Private Pilot’s Licence Commander’s Age: 56 years Commander’s Flying Experience: 520 hours (of which 66 were on type) Last 90 days - 5 hours Last 28 days - 2 hours Information Source: Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot and subsequent enquiries The pilot made an approach to land on Runway 12 at Bembridge, an airfield he had not flown to before. The aircraft bounced on landing which surprised him. A second, harder bounce occurred before he flew a go-around. The second approach and subsequent landing were reported as smooth. After shutdown, the pilot noticed damage to the tips of the right propeller and a later inspection by an engineer identified a crease in the right wing. The pilot reported that despite a smooth flight, a number of the passengers had become air sick and vomited. He considered that this was a distraction and may have contributed to his reluctance to go around after the first bounce. He also stated that the runway had a downward slope which he was not expecting as it was not mentioned in his airfield reference material (a popular airfield guide and the local gliding club website). The pilot considered that whilst this was not causal, it contributed to the event. The aircraft’s weight and balance were within landing limits. The repair agency reported no evidence of pre-existing conditions that would have weakened the damaged area of the wing.