What happened
On 25 January 1998, a Piper PA-18-150, registration G-BHGC, was involved in an accident at Keevil Airfield in Wiltshire. The aircraft was being operated on a private flight. At approximately 1500 UTC, the aircraft was performing a backtrack on Runway 02 following the completion of a glider tow operation.
During the turn, the pilot applied the brake on the inside wheel and adjusted the engine to approximately 1,500 RPM. As the aircraft reached roughly 120 degrees into the turn, a gust of wind from the rear quarter caused the tail to lift. This resulted in the aircraft pitching forward, causing the propeller to strike the runway surface. The pilot immediately closed the throttle and applied back pressure on the control column. The aircraft eventually came to a stop with the left main wheel, left wing tip, and propeller in contact with the ground. The pilot, who was wearing a full upper torso restraint, was uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of events following the impact, noting that the aircraft's engine had been shock loaded due to the propeller strike. The investigation also noted the weather conditions at the time, specifically that gliders were being launched from the same runway and that surface winds were from 050° at 10 to 12 knots.