Tiger Moth accident at Duxford Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Duxford Aerodrome, Cambridgeshire, GB

A DH82A Tiger Moth, G-ANPE, struck a perimeter fence during a training flight at Duxford Aerodrome, resulting in significant aircraft damage but no injuries.

What happened

On 30 September 2011, a DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-ANPE, was conducting a training flight at Duxford Aerodrome in Cambridgeshire. During the landing sequence, the aircraft touched down in a three-point attitude. Following the touchdown, the aircraft bounced back into the air.

In response to the bounce, the pilot decided to execute a go-around and applied full power. However, the pilot did not lower the nose sufficiently to facilitate the necessary acceleration and climb. As a result, the aircraft remained airborne but failed to gain altitude, instead drifting downwind to the right of the runway. The flight path remained parallel to the ground until the aircraft collided with a fence. The impact caused the lower port wing to strike the structure, subsequently causing the aircraft to tip onto its starboard wingtips and then onto its nose. There were no injuries to the crew or the passenger.

The investigation

The AAIB investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot and further enquiries. The investigation focused on the flight dynamics during the go-around attempt and the subsequent loss of altitude and direction control.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to pitch the nose down during a go-around prevented the aircraft from accelerating and climbing, leading to a loss of altitude and a collision with a fence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-09-30 DH82A Tiger Moth accident near Duxford Aerodrome, Cambridgeshire, GB?

A DH82A Tiger Moth, G-ANPE, struck a perimeter fence during a training flight at Duxford Aerodrome, resulting in significant aircraft damage but no injuries.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-09-30 involved a DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-ANPE, at Duxford Aerodrome, Cambridgeshire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to pitch the nose down during a go-around prevented the aircraft from accelerating and climbing, leading to a loss of altitude and a collision with a fence.

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