Fatal Propeller Strike Involving Piper J3C-65 Cub G-BHPK

Accident Overview and Aircraft Details On 28 January 2012 at 1523 UTC, a Piper J3C-65 Cub, registration G-BHPK, was involved in a fatal accident at Priory Farm, Tibenham, Norfolk. The 1943 aircraft, serial number 12161, was powered by a single Continental Motors Corp A65-8F piston engine. It was a two-seat, tailwheel-configured light aircraft with a wooden one-piece propeller. The flight was a private training exercise, and the aircraft sustained damage to its propeller. ## Flight History and Sequence of Events The pilot, a 38-year-old holder of a National Private Pilot’s Licence with 370 total hours (2 on type), was undergoing tailwheel conversion training with a Light Aircraft Association (LAA) coach. After a morning session and lunch, they conducted further circuits. The coach deemed the pilot proficient for solo flight. After landing on Runway 01, the aircraft was taxied to the threshold, stopped, and the engine was left running. The coach, who occupied the front seat, undid his harness, disconnected his headset, and exited the aircraft by climbing out over the front of the wing struts. He stood between the struts and the propeller, helped close the window and door panel, and spoke briefly with the pilot. Witnesses observed the coach turn toward the front of the aircraft and step into the arc of the rotating propeller. The propeller struck him, causing fatal injuries. ## Aircraft Examination and Pathology Examination revealed impact damage approximately 10 cm from the tip of one propeller blade, causing both blades to split along their length. The coach’s headset was found badly damaged near the aircraft, consistent with it being struck by the propeller while worn. No other aircraft defects were identified. Post-mortem findings indicated the coach was struck once on the head, with his head partially down at the time. No medical conditions contributed to the accident. ## Contributing Factors and Safety Actions The coach, a 67-year-old former RAF and airline pilot with 14,709 hours, was an experienced LAA coach. The accident analysis noted that the coach stepped, rather than tripped, into the propeller path. Wearing the headset likely reduced his ability to hear the engine and propeller. The low idle wind buffet and the propeller’s light green painted tips may not have provided a strong visual or auditory warning. The aircraft’s design, with hinged panels and a step awkward for front-seat egress, contributed to the hazard. Following the accident, the LAA proposed broadening coach training to include dangers of propellers during entry and exit. The incident highlighted the value of following a path along the wing edge to ensure propeller clearance.