What happened
On 11 March 2009, a Hawker Hurricane 2B, registration G-HHII, was performing a private flight at North Weald Airfield in Essex. During the landing sequence on Runway 20, the pilot executed a standard three-point approach. While the touchdown itself was reported as normal, the aircraft's tail lifted unexpectedly and uncontrollably immediately after the main wheels made contact with the runway.
This sudden pitch forward caused the propeller to strike the runway surface. Despite the impact, the pilot successfully maintained the aircraft on the runway centerline. The pilot sustained no injuries during the event.
The investigation
Following the incident, an inspection of the aircraft was conducted to determine the cause of the uncontrolled tail lift. Investigators focused on the pneumatic braking system, which is used to operate the wheel brakes. The examination revealed a mechanical failure within the brake control valve.
Findings
- The investigation established that a defect existed in the pneumatic brake control valve activation bags.
- This defect allowed air to leak into the brake system prior to the landing.
- This leakage resulted in the brakes being partially applied during the landing roll, which contributed to the aircraft tipping forward onto its nose.
- The impact resulted in damage to both the propeller and the undercarriage doors.