What happened
On 22 May 1998, at approximately 1845 hrs, a DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-ADPC, was conducting a private flight when it was involved in an accident at a farm strip located near Petersfield, Hampshire. The aircraft, which is powered by a single Gipsy Major piston engine, was being operated by a pilot with 533 total flying hours.
During the approach to the north-east oriented grass runway, the pilot failed to maintain the correct altitude. The aircraft was noted to have rounded out too high relative to the runway threshold. As a result of this misjudged height, the aircraft sustained damage to both the landing gear and the fuselage.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the environmental conditions and the physical characteristics of the landing site. At the time of the occurrence, the surface wind was reported as calm.
The pilot identified several factors regarding the runway surface that may have influenced the approach. Specifically, the presence of recently mown grass at the threshold created a visual contrast in color and direction compared to the rest of the strip. Additionally, the investigation considered the impact of the upward slope of the runway on the pilot's perception of the threshold.