What happened
On 18 July 2017, a Piper L18C Super Cub, registration G-BIYJ, was conducting a private flight from a farm strip at Pilmuir Farm, Lundin Links, to practice maneuvers for an upcoming license revalidation test. The pilot had been using this specific airstrip for 23 years. After completing several circuits and maneuvers, including a successful practice of a baulked landing, the pilot commenced a final approach to Runway 03.
During the approach, the wind was recorded as a north-easterly at approximately 6 knots with no significant turbulence. However, after the aircraft touched down and traveled roughly 25 meters along the runway, it suddenly veered to the right. In an attempt to maintain control, the pilot increased engine power to lift the aircraft back into the air. Despite this effort, the right wing of the aircraft struck a stationary combine harvester located near the strip. The impact caused the aircraft to flip onto its back.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The pilot, who sustained serious injuries, was able to exit the aircraft through the door and climb onto the upturned right wing to escape the wreckage.
Investigators looked into the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. While the pilot initially believed a sudden gust of wind caused the deviation, the investigation noted that a person spraying crops in the vicinity had experienced squally conditions just prior to the event, which had forced them to stop their work.