Accident Details
On 14 August 2016 at 1800 hrs, a Piper J3C-65 Cub, registration G-BDHK, experienced an undercarriage collapse and propeller damage upon landing at Eastbach Airfield, near Coleford, Gloucestershire. The aircraft, powered by a single Continental Motors Corp A65-8F piston engine, was on a private flight. The pilot, who was the only person on board, was not injured.
The aircraft had a 340 m grass runway, Runway 06, which had an upslope and a bump inset approximately 100 m from the threshold, as noted in airfield documentation. The pilot, familiar with the airfield as the aircraft was based there, joined overhead for a left-hand circuit. He observed the windsock indicating no significant wind and configured the aircraft for a normal landing. On final approach, he realised he was low and added power, aiming to touch down just after the runway numbers. However, upon touchdown, the undercarriage immediately collapsed. The pilot vacated the aircraft without assistance.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 53, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 288 flying hours, of which 106 were on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 6 hours, and in the last 28 days, 2 hours.
Pilot's Assessment
In a discussion with the AAIB, the pilot considered that his positive landing may have contributed to the accident.