Incident Overview
A pilot flying an open cockpit biplane experienced a sequence of events during landing that resulted in an accident with fire and injuries. While dissipating airspeed over the runway, the pilot reported that his helmet slipped back on his head. In his attempt to readjust the helmet, the left wing rose, and during his correction maneuver, the propeller began striking the runway.
Pilot Actions
The pilot shut off the engine, continued flying further down the runway, and executed a landing. He described the subsequent touchdown as smooth, but the main landing gear collapsed. The bottom of the fuselage then began sliding along the runway surface.
Fire and Evacuation
A fire started, and as the pilot evacuated the aircraft, he sustained burns to his face and hands. After moving away from the airplane, additional fire erupted within the aircraft.
Post-Accident Investigation
Later investigation determined that the main landing gear had spread out, causing the fuselage bottom to contact the runway on the first impact. The fire originated from fuel leaking from a broken fuel strainer valve.