What happened
On 8 June 2008, a Piper L18C Super Cub, registration G-BJWZ, was performing a private flight in Northumberland when it was involved in an accident during landing at Eshott. The pilot was attempting to land on Runway 01. Following touchdown, the aircraft began to decelerate, but the pilot noted a sudden deviation from the runway centerline. The aircraft veered sharply to the right and tipped forward onto its nose, coming to a halt approximately 40 metres past the runway threshold, angled at roughly 45 degrees to the centerline. The pilot, who sustained no injuries, observed that the left wheel had lost its tyre and inner tube during the landing roll.
The investigation
Investigators examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the landing sequence. It was noted that the pilot may have applied the brakes during the landing run, which could have contributed to the aircraft swinging to the right. The investigation focused on the integrity of the braking system and the vulnerability of the brake lines. The aircraft featured a Grove disc brake modification, where the routing of the brake pipe to the caliper passes beneath the disc. This configuration leaves the pipe susceptible to damage if the tyre becomes deflated and the rim makes contact with the ground.
Findings
- The left tyre and tube were shed during the landing process.
- The deflation of the tyre allowed the wheel rim to contact the ground, which severed the left brake pipe.
- The loss of braking pressure and the resulting mechanical failure caused the aircraft to veer and nose over.
- The primary cause of the accident was the deflation of the left tyre.