Incident Overview
On 28 October 2017 at 0910 UTC, a Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee, registration G-BCBJ, experienced a propeller strike while taxiing at Aboyne Airfield, Aberdeenshire. The aircraft was being operated on a private flight with a single pilot and no passengers. The pilot, aged 74, held a Light Aircraft Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 14,100 total flying hours, including 75 hours on type.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot’s report, the aircraft had landed on Runway 09N and was taxiing towards Runway 09S in strong crosswind conditions. As the aircraft neared the end of the taxiway, a gust of wind caused it to yaw to the right and pitch forward simultaneously. The pilot closed the throttle and applied full rearward deflection of the control column, but the tail continued to rise, causing the propeller to strike the ground.
Aircraft and Damage
The aircraft, manufactured in 1963 (serial number 25-2380/R), was equipped with a Lycoming O-540-B2C5 piston engine. The accident resulted in damage to the propeller. No injuries were reported among the crew.
Investigation
The investigation was based on the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) published the findings in AAIB Bulletin 1/2018. No probable cause was explicitly stated in the report.