Incident
On 6 May 2003 at 1600 UTC, a DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-ANEH, was taxiing at Kemble Airfield, Gloucestershire. The pilot, the sole occupant, was moving the aircraft from the fuel bay to join the grass taxiway to position at 'G1', as cleared, prior to takeoff from grass Runway 26.
Sequence of Events
While taxiing across an area of long grass, before reaching the clearly defined cut grass of the taxiway, the aircraft's left wheel dropped into a hole. The aircraft pitched forward onto its nose, causing damage to the propeller and the 'chin' cowlings. The pilot reported that the hole was unmarked and partially concealed by original turf that had been replaced in the hole. He had chosen that route across the long grass because he had used it earlier to taxi to the fuel pump. The airport operator stated that the turf had been laid over a minor repair some months earlier and had presumably lifted in the recent dry spell.
Aircraft and Pilot
The DH82A Tiger Moth (G-ANEH) was manufactured in 1939 and powered by one Gipsy Major 1H piston engine. The pilot, aged 57, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 963 flying hours, of which 176 were on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 2 hours, and in the last 28 days, 2 hours.
Damage
The damage was limited to the engine cowlings, propeller, and engine shock loading. The pilot reported no injuries.