Background
The aircraft, a Luscombe 8A registered G-BUAO, was manufactured in 1946 and powered by a Continental A65-8 piston engine. On 9 April 2004, it was operated on a private flight with one pilot and one passenger. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 102 total flying hours, of which 55 were on type. His recent flying experience was limited to 2 hours in the last 90 days and 1 hour in the last 28 days.
Flight Details
The flight departed from Lower Upham Airfield, Ogbourne St George, near Marlborough, Wiltshire, for a local sortie. Weather conditions were good, with a wind of 12 knots from the north-west. The aircraft later returned to the same airfield to land on Runway 27. This runway is approximately 680 metres long and consists of grass; its last 200 metres feature a downslope of 1 in 5.
Accident Sequence
During the landing, the aircraft bounced approximately 4 feet. To manage the subsequent rate of descent, the pilot opened the throttle, which extended the landing roll into the downslope portion of the runway. While on the downslope, the pilot applied the brakes. This action caused the aircraft to nose over, and it came to rest inverted. Substantial damage was inflicted on the nose area and the fin of the aircraft.
Occupants and Injuries
Both the pilot and passenger were wearing lap and diagonal harnesses. They exited the aircraft through the left and right doors respectively, sustaining no injuries.
Reported Cause
In a candid report submitted by the pilot, he concluded that the accident had been caused by applying the brakes whilst going downhill.