What happened
On 11 March 2006, an Auster J1N (registration G-AHCL) was involved in a ground accident at Caernarfon Airport, Gwynedd, during a private flight. Following a successful landing, the pilot taxied the aircraft toward the apron. While attempting to perform a 'U' turn to re-enter the taxiway, the aircraft was subjected to a quartering crosswind.
As the pilot executed the turn, the aircraft began to pivot toward a hangar. In an attempt to maintain control, the pilot applied full right rudder and used progressive right wheel braking. However, during this maneuver, the tail of the aircraft began to lift. Despite the pilot immediately reducing the throttle and releasing the brakes to lower the tail, the upward movement continued until the nose of the aircraft struck the ground. The impact resulted in damage to the propeller and the engine cowlings. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the environmental and mechanical factors present during the taxiing maneuver. The investigation established that the aircraft was positioned on a down-sloping apron. The pilot's actions were influenced by the specific configuration of the aircraft at the time, which included a forward center of gravity (CG) due to the absence of passengers and baggage.