Accident Narrative
On 8 August 1998 at 1225 hours UTC, a Great Lakes 2T-1A biplane, registration G-BIIZ, was involved in a ground collision during landing at Upper Harford, Gloucestershire. The pilot, who was the sole occupant along with one passenger, had a Private Pilot's Licence and 146 hours of total flying experience, with 24 hours on type. The pilot was unfamiliar with the airfield, having visited it for the first time.
The aircraft was landing on Runway 26, an 800-metre grass strip that was flat and well mown. The surface wind was from 300 degrees at 5 knots, and the temperature was 25 degrees Celsius. The approach was uneventful. However, upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced. The pilot held the control column fully back, expecting the aircraft to settle. On the subsequent touchdown, the aircraft bounced again and began to swing to the left. The pilot applied power in an attempt to regain directional control, but the aircraft continued to veer left and collided with a parked aircraft.
Damage
The collision resulted in substantial damage to both left wings of the Great Lakes 2T-1A. No injuries were sustained by the pilot or passenger.
Pilot Information
The commander was a 55-year-old male holding a Private Pilot's Licence. His flying experience totalled 146 hours, of which 24 hours were on the Great Lakes 2T-1A. In the last 90 days, he had flown 15 hours; in the last 28 days, he had flown 6 hours.
Cause
In the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot, he attributed the accident to a loss of directional control on landing.