Incident Details
On 14 June 1998 at 1115 hrs, a DH82A Tiger Moth (registration G-AHUV) was engaged in private flight at Lude Estate, Blair Atholl, Perthshire. The aircraft, manufactured in 1939, was powered by one De Havilland Gypsy Major 1 piston engine. The pilot, aged 36, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 471 flying hours, including 103 hours on type. One passenger was also on board.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was practising touch-and-go landings on a private strip in fine weather with light wind conditions. The first four circuits proceeded without incident. During the fifth landing, as the pilot applied power and raised the tail, the aircraft yawed to the right. Long grass at the edge of the strip contacted the lower right wing, and the drag from the grass caused the aircraft to slew further right. The aircraft left the strip, and the mainwheels became entangled in the long grass as it tracked towards a group of trees and farm buildings.
Realising the situation was hopeless, the pilot shut down the engine and attempted to steer between two obstacles. The aircraft struck a fence post at an estimated speed of 20 mph, and the impact was sufficient to overturn the aircraft.
Damage and Injuries
Both occupants were wearing Sutton harnesses and were protected by the upper wing bracing struts, which supported the overturned fuselage. Neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained any injuries. The aircraft suffered severe damage to the wings, propeller, undercarriage, tail plane, and fin.