Fatal propeller strike during aircraft disembarkation in Norfolk

Casualties unknown • Priory Farm, Tibenham, Norfolk, GB

An experienced flight coach was killed by a rotating propeller while exiting a Piper Cub at a grass airfield in Norfolk.

What happened

On 28 January 2012, a Piper J3C-65 Cub, registration G-BHPK, was involved in a fatal accident at Priory Farm, Tibenham, Norfolk. The flight was a private training session involving a pilot and an experienced Light Aircraft Association (LAA) coach, who was assisting the pilot with a conversion to tailwheel aircraft. Following a series of circuits, the aircraft landed on Runway 01 and taxied to the threshold, where the engine was left running.

After the aircraft came to a halt, the coach disconnected his headset and opened the cockpit panels. To exit the front seat, the coach climbed out over the wing struts. While moving toward the front of the aircraft, the coach stepped into the arc of the rotating propeller. The propeller struck the coach, resulting in one fatality.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-01-28 Piper J3C-65 Cub accident near Priory Farm, Tibenham, Norfolk, GB?

An experienced flight coach was killed by a rotating propeller while exiting a Piper Cub at a grass airfield in Norfolk.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-01-28 involved a Piper J3C-65 Cub, registration G-BHPK, at Priory Farm, Tibenham, Norfolk, GB.

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