What happened
On 14 August 2016, a Piper J3C-65 Cub, registration G-BDHK, was completing a local flight when the pilot returned to Eastbach Airfield in Gloucestershire. The pilot, who was familiar with the airfield as it served as the aircraft's base, commenced a left-hand circuit to land on Runway 06. This grass runway is approximately 340 metres in length, features an upslope, and contains a known bump located about 100 metres from the threshold.
During the final approach, the pilot noted that the aircraft was low and applied additional power to ensure touchdown occurred just past the numbers. Upon contacting the ground, the undercarriage failed immediately. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft unassisted, and there were no injuries reported. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the undercarriage collapsed.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot and further enquiries. The investigators examined the airfield characteristics, noting the documented bump on the runway and the upward slope. The pilot participated in an open discussion with investigators regarding the circumstances of the touchdown.