Piper Super Cub nosed over during training at White Waltham

Casualties unknown • White Waltham Airfield, Berkshire, GB

A Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub experienced a nose-over accident during a training flight at White Waltham Airfield after power was applied while the brakes were engaged.

What happened

On 6 June 2018, a Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, registration G-XCUB, was involved in an accident during a training flight at White Waltham Airfield, Berkshire. The flight was conducting circuit training involving a student and an instructor. To maintain efficiency during a period of busy circuit traffic, the crew had adopted a specific procedure for 'stop-and-go' landings. This involved the student bringing the aircraft to a halt using the brakes while the instructor reconfigured the trim for takeoff.

After completing several successful landings, the aircraft came to a stop on the runway. As the instructor was adjusting the trim, takeoff power was applied while the brakes remained engaged. This caused the aircraft to nose over, resulting in the propeller striking the grass and the engine suffering a shock-load. The impact caused the tail to lift and then drop, which broke the tailwheel spring and damaged the lower section of the rudder. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.

Probable cause

The aircraft nosed over because takeoff power was applied while the brakes were still engaged, a situation exacerbated by a non-standard training procedure intended to speed up runway occupancy.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-06-06 Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub accident near White Waltham Airfield, Berkshire, GB?

A Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub experienced a nose-over accident during a training flight at White Waltham Airfield after power was applied while the brakes were engaged.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-06-06 involved a Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, registration G-XCUB , at White Waltham Airfield, Berkshire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft nosed over because takeoff power was applied while the brakes were still engaged, a situation exacerbated by a non-standard training procedure intended to speed up runway occupancy.

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