Piper Cub Nose-Over During Taxi at Navan Airfield

Casualties unknown • IE

A tail-wheel Piper PA 18-95 tipped forward onto its nose during a backtrack at Navan Airfield, resulting in substantial propeller damage and no injuries.

What happened

On 22 January 2017, a Piper PA 18-95 was performing general aviation circuits at Navan Airfield, Co. Meath. Following a landing on runway 07, the pilot began a backtrack on runway 25. During the taxiing process, the pilot noted an increasing amount of resistance in the aircraft's movement, which required higher engine power to maintain speed. As the aircraft reached an upward-sloping section of the airfield, the increased thrust caused the aircraft to pitch forward. The nose dropped, and the propeller struck the grass surface. The pilot exited the aircraft without injury, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The investigation

Investigators examined the airfield and found tyre tracks and scuffed grass consistent with the aircraft's main wheels, confirming the location of the nose-over. A review of the aircraft's maintenance history revealed that a previous annual check in February 2016 had addressed a binding port brake.

Upon inspecting the G-PIPR after the event, investigators found significant rotational resistance and grinding noises in the wheels. A later inspection by a maintenance organization nine months after the accident revealed that the brake calipers were stuck due to contaminated grease and corrosion. The investigation also uncovered that a previous pilot had experienced similar resistance and heat in the brakes, but this issue was not documented in the aircraft's logbook or signing-out sheet.

Findings

  • The aircraft's brakes were experiencing significant resistance due to corrosion and contaminated grease within the caliper mechanism.
  • Heavy braking during the preceding landing likely generated heat, which may have caused expansion and increased the binding of the brakes.
  • The combination of the engine's increased thrust (needed to overcome the uphill slope) and the friction from the binding brakes created a force couple that pitched the nose downward.
  • A lack of formal recording regarding a previous similar braking issue prevented the pilot from being aware of the developing technical problem.

Probable cause

The aircraft tipped forward because the pilot applied increased engine power to navigate an uphill slope while the wheels were experiencing significant resistance due to corroded and contaminated brake calipers.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the null aircraft accident near IE?

A tail-wheel Piper PA 18-95 tipped forward onto its nose during a backtrack at Navan Airfield, resulting in substantial propeller damage and no injuries.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on null involved a aircraft, registration G-PIPR, at IE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft tipped forward because the pilot applied increased engine power to navigate an uphill slope while the wheels were experiencing significant resistance due to corroded and contaminated brake calipers.

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