Accident Summary
On 6 September 1999 at 1900 UTC, a Piper J3C-65 (registration G-AXHR) was on approach to Runway 32 at Nayland Airfield, Suffolk. The surface wind was variable between 190° and 280° at about 8 knots. A dirt road oriented along the final approach path was flanked by trees approximately 50 feet tall. As the aircraft passed over the trees, it sank due to windshear. The pilot was unable to apply sufficient power to prevent the landing gear from hitting the tree tops. The aircraft veered left toward an adjacent field, where the pilot attempted a forced landing. To achieve this, it was necessary to fly under power lines. The main landing gear dug into recently ploughed ground and collapsed, causing damage to the landing gear and propeller.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Piper J3C-65, manufactured in 1943, powered by one Continental A65-8F piston engine. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence, was 40 years old, and had 155 hours total flying experience (66 hours on type, 12 hours in the last 90 days, and 4 hours in the last 28 days). There were two persons on board: the pilot and one passenger.
Sequence of Events
During the approach, the pilot reported encountering windshear after passing over trees along the final approach path. The aircraft sank, and the landing gear struck the tree tops. The pilot then veered left toward a field to make a forced landing. He flew under nearby power lines, and upon touchdown, the main landing gear dug into the soft ploughed soil, causing the gear to collapse.
Injuries and Response
The pilot, wearing only a lap harness, escaped without injury. The passenger, also in a lap harness, suffered a nosebleed (minor injury). After the incident, the pilot voluntarily underwent circuit flying training with an instructor. He intends to fit full upper torso restraint when the aircraft is repaired.