History of the Flight
The flight was intended to provide a trial lesson. Weather conditions were fine with a surface wind of 050° at 10 kt. Wickenby Airfield has two paved runways oriented 03/21 and 16/34. The aircraft was to operate from a triangular grass area in the northern angle between the runways, offering a landing distance of approximately 200 m.
During pre-flight preparation, the pilot discovered that the compass ring was missing, leaving the aircraft without a useable compass. This caused some distraction. On takeoff, the pilot's attention was focused outside the cockpit, and he did not notice that the needle of the airspeed indicator had detached and was lying loose inside the instrument, leaving only the needle stub to indicate airspeed.
With no other nearby airfields suitable for a grass landing, the pilot prepared for an approach to the grass area at Wickenby. The approach was flown at an estimated 54 kt, as the pilot was aware that a higher speed would be problematic given the restricted landing area and the absence of wheel brakes. During the latter stages of the approach, the aircraft became low. Although the pilot applied full power, the landing gear struck standing crops at the edge of a field immediately before the landing area.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a DH82A Tiger Moth (registration G-AOHY) built in 1939 (serial number 3850), powered by one De Havilland Gipsy Major 10-1 piston engine. The commander held a Private Pilot's Licence and was 68 years old with 15,093 total flying hours, of which 23 were on type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 44 hours, and in the last 28 days, 20 hours.
The pilot noted that while very experienced overall, he had limited recent training and experience on the Tiger Moth. He had originally flown this type in 1964 and received a brief conversion back in 2010. Since that conversion, he had flown only 12 hours on type at irregular intervals, carrying out only one landing on type in the eight months prior to the accident. The pilot considered his lack of currency on type and limited recent training to be contributory factors.
Post-Impact Events
After striking the crops, the aircraft pitched nose-down and came to rest inverted just clear of the crops. The propeller was destroyed, and damage was sustained to the wings and tail section. The engine was shock-loaded. The two occupants were able to escape the aircraft. The airfield fire and rescue crew responded immediately and were later joined by civil emergency services.