Accident Details
On 17 July 2005, at approximately 1430 UTC, a Piper J3C-65 (Modified) Cub, registration G-BPVH, sustained substantial damage during a landing attempt at Frieslands Farm Airstrip, Sussex. The aircraft was on a private sightseeing flight with one pilot and one passenger aboard. Both occupants received minor injuries and evacuated the aircraft unassisted.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, manufactured in 1946, was powered by a single Continental C90-12F piston engine. The pilot, aged 69, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 247 hours total flying experience, with 129 hours on type. His recent flying included 5 hours in the last 90 days and 3 hours in the last 28 days.
Flight and Approach
Weather conditions at the time were clear with a surface wind from 230° at 6 kt and occasional gusts. The pilot was conducting his second flight of the day. The airstrip features a grass runway 06, 650 m long with a pronounced upslope averaging 2.8° along its length. The pilot was familiar with the airstrip and commented that sink can be expected on short finals when approaching this runway. He allowed an extra margin of speed for the approach due to the tailwind component.
Accident Sequence
On final approach, the aircraft began to sink. The pilot applied full throttle in an attempt to correct the descent, but the main wheels struck a standing crop short of the runway threshold. The aircraft pitched nose down and flipped over, coming to rest approximately 12 m along the runway.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and passenger each sustained minor injuries and were able to exit the aircraft without assistance. The aircraft suffered substantial damage.