What happened
On 20 September 2017, a Piper J3C-65 Cub, registration G-AJAD, was involved in a ground accident at a private grass airstrip in Saltford, Bath. Following a short flight, the pilot performed a crosswind landing on a runway oriented at 270º. At the time of the incident, weather conditions were dry with winds from 190º at 7 knots.
After touchdown, the pilot reduced speed to taxi toward a hangar located north of the runway. While still on the runway, the aircraft suddenly veered to the left. During this movement, the left wing strut collided with a fence post that marked the southern boundary of the airstrip. The impact caused the wing to drop, resulting in further contact between the propeller, the upper cockpit airframe, and the fence. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the aircraft's movement on the runway and the physical damage sustained to the airframe and propeller. The investigation focused on the aircraft's handling during the transition from landing to taxiing.
Findings
- The aircraft was a classic taildragger type, which requires specific handling during ground manoeuvres.
- The accident was caused by the mismanagement of the rudder, brakes, and throttle during the taxi phase.