Tiger Moth nosed over during landing at Sandtoft Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Sandtoft Aerodrome, Belton, GB

A DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-AXAN, overturned during a landing attempt on a grass strip at Sandtoft Aerodrome due to loss of directional control.

What happened

On 1 June 2008, a DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-AXAN, was performing a private flight at Sandtoft Aerodrome. The pilot intended to land on the airfield's paved runway, but because the surface was wet, the decision was made to utilize the adjacent grass strip instead.

During the landing roll on the grass, the aircraft veered toward the right side of the strip. The aircraft entered an area of long grass, which caused it to stop abruptly. This sudden deceleration resulted in the aircraft turning over and nosed over. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board.

The investigation

The investigation examined the environmental conditions and the aircraft's movement during the landing phase. It was established that the airfield was experiencing variable crosswind conditions at the time of the incident. The pilot reported a loss of directional control during the rollout, noting that the aircraft was traveling at a speed of less than 20 mph when the overturn occurred. The damage sustained by the aircraft included a broken propeller, as well as damage to the engine cowls, the rudder, the fin, and the upper mainplane.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the landing strip and overturned due to a loss of directional control caused by the combination of a crosswind and the wet condition of the grass.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-06-01 DH82A Tiger Moth accident near Sandtoft Aerodrome, Belton, GB?

A DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-AXAN, overturned during a landing attempt on a grass strip at Sandtoft Aerodrome due to loss of directional control.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-06-01 involved a DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-AXAN, at Sandtoft Aerodrome, Belton, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the landing strip and overturned due to a loss of directional control caused by the combination of a crosswind and the wet condition of the grass.

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