Aircraft Information
The accident involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration G-WLAC, manufactured in 1970. It was powered by a single Lycoming O-320-A2B piston engine.
Incident Details
On 18 March 1999 at 1515 UTC, the aircraft was preparing to taxi at White Waltham Airfield. It had been parked close to another aircraft, and the pilot requested ground crew assistance to ensure clearance. During taxi, the aircraft was reluctant to turn to the right. The pilot then applied right brake and added power to assist the turn. As power was applied, the tail of the aircraft rose, causing the propeller to strike the ground. The damage was limited to the propeller and possible shock loading of the engine.
The aircraft was equipped with independent left and right wheel parking brakes. The pilot later considered that, when releasing the parking brake before taxiing, he had failed to ensure the right brake had fully released.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 46, held a Commercial Pilot's Licence with Instrument and Instructor's Ratings. His total flying experience was 3,067 hours, including 7 hours on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 75 hours, with 16 hours in the last 28 days. The flight was a private flight with only the pilot on board; no injuries were reported.
Source
This article is based on the UK AAIB Bulletin No: 6/99, Ref: EW/G99/03/19, submitted by the pilot.