What happened
On 8 July 2010, a Piper L18C Super Cub, registration G-BLMI, was conducting a private flight from White Waltham to Long Crendon to practice short field landings. The aircraft approached a 300 m long grass strip with an upsloping gradient. During the initial approach to runway 20, the aircraft experienced excessive float, prompting the pilot to initiate a go-around.
Following this, the pilot attempted an approach to runway 02. This approach was conducted at a high altitude to maintain clearance from nearby power lines. During this maneuver, the pilot determined the aircraft was not reaching flying speed. The pilot then decided to land on the upsloping runway, which was subject to a slight tailwind and high ambient temperatures. After the aircraft touched down firmly in a three-point attitude approximately one third of the way along the strip, it bounced and touched down a second time at excessive speed. Although the pilot believed the remaining distance was sufficient to stop, the passenger called for a go-around. Upon applying full power, the pilot found that the combination of the upsloping terrain, high temperature, and tailwind provided insufficient acceleration to clear the boundary hedge.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight sequence and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation established that the aircraft's landing gear made contact with the top of a hedge, which contained strands of wire. This impact caused the pilot to lose control, leading to a ground impact that resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond economic repair. There were no fatalities and no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.