What happened
On 11 July 2011, a Luscombe 8E Silvaire Deluxe, registration G-BTCJ, was performing a private flight at Bidford-on-Avon Airfield in Warwickshire. The weather conditions were favorable, with light winds recorded at 2 knots from 240 degrees.
The pilot initiated an approach to Runway 24, which is a grass runway characterized by a slight downslope. The aircraft achieved a three-point touchdown and continued rolling for approximately 80 meters. However, upon the application of the brakes, the aircraft nosed over onto its back. The pilot sustained minor injuries, but the aircraft suffered extensive damage, including impact to the propeller, canopy, and firewall, as well as shock-loading to the engine.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the physical state of the aircraft following the impact. The assessment focused on the aircraft's configuration and the pilot's control inputs during the rollout phase on the grass surface.