What happened
On 22 December 2013, a pilot arrived at Popham Airfield in a Luscombe 8E Silvaire Deluxe, registration G-BTCH, for a period of local flying. After discovering the aircraft required more fuel, the pilot taxied to the fuel pumps. Due to insufficient battery power, the engine was started using external power, and the aircraft was subsequently refuelled.
Following the refuelling, the pilot attempted to start the engine again. Because the battery charge remained inadequate, the pilot opted to hand-swing the propeller, a procedure he had performed many times previously. After setting the parking brake and adjusting the throttle, the engine successfully fired. As the pilot moved toward the open cockpit door, he noticed the aircraft had begun to move. In an attempt to reach the cockpit, the pilot slipped on the damp concrete surface. By the time he recovered, the aircraft had drifted into closed hangar doors. The right wingtip struck a door at approximately 5 mph, causing the aircraft to yaw and resulting in the propeller and left wingtip also striking the door frame.
There were no injuries to the pilot, and no third-party damage was reported.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions, the mechanical state of the aircraft, and the pilot's actions. It was noted that the aircraft was parked facing downwind during gusty conditions. The investigation also looked into the effectiveness of the aircraft's braking system and the physical state of the airfield surface.
Findings
- The aircraft was parked on a concrete surface that was damp and slippery.
- The aircraft was positioned facing downwind, and the open cockpit door acted as a sail, which, combined with a slight downslope, contributed to the movement.
- The pilot failed to use wheel chocks, which would have prevented the movement, noting that the aircraft's cable-operated disc brakes were not highly effective.
- The pilot's footwear, leather-soled shoes, contributed to his slip when attempting to reach the cockpit.
- The aircraft had known electrical issues, specifically a worn generator that was due for replacement, which necessitated the use of hand-swinging the propeller.