Replica Sopwith Triplane nose-over after striking airfield gate

Casualties unknown • Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, GB

A replica Sopwith Triplane sustained significant damage after its left main wheel struck a boundary fence gate during an approach at Old Warden Aerodrome.

What happened

On 29 June 2014, a replica Sopwith Triplane, registration G-BOCK, was participating in an aerial display at Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire. During the flight, the wind direction shifted and increased in strength, prompting the pilot to execute a landing across the center of the airfield to ensure a headwind component.

As the aircraft progressed on final approach, the pilot was actively managing the complex controls of the Clerget rotary engine. During this phase, the aircraft's rate of descent increased intermittently. Before the airfield boundary fence was no longer visible due to the aircraft's nose position, the pilot believed the flight path was sufficient to clear the obstacle. However, the aircraft's approach angle became too shallow, causing the left main wheel to strike the top rail of a tubular steel gate in the perimeter fence. The impact, occurring at approximately 50 mph, caused the aircraft to pitch forward abruptly. The aircraft came to rest in a vertical position, supported by the engine and the leading edge of the upper wing. There were no injuries to the pilot.

The investigation

The investigation examined the aircraft's handling characteristics and the sequence of events leading to the impact. It was noted that the aircraft, being a replica of a World War I design, requires a steeper approach than modern aircraft and necessitates the use of sideslips to manage height. Furthermore, the pilot's attention was divided by the intensive engine management required by the rotary engine during the landing phase. Video evidence confirmed several momentary increases in the descent rate during the final approach.

Findings

  • The aircraft's left main wheel struck the top rail of a metal gate in the boundary fence.
  • The pilot was focused on the complex task of managing air, fuel, and ignition controls for the rotary engine.
  • The aircraft's rate of descent increased several times during the approach, which went unnoticed by the pilot.
  • The approach angle became too flat, leading to the collision with the fence structure.

Probable cause

The aircraft's descent rate increased during the final approach, and because the pilot was preoccupied with the intensive engine management required by the rotary engine, the loss of height went unnoticed, resulting in the aircraft striking the boundary fence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-06-11 Replica Sopwith Triplane accident near Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, GB?

A replica Sopwith Triplane sustained significant damage after its left main wheel struck a boundary fence gate during an approach at Old Warden Aerodrome.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-06-11 involved a Replica Sopwith Triplane, registration G-BOCK, at Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft's descent rate increased during the final approach, and because the pilot was preoccupied with the intensive engine management required by the rotary engine, the loss of height went unnoticed, resulting in the aircraft striking the boundary fence.

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