What happened
On 30 April 1998, a modified Piper PA-18-150, registration G-BFFP, was involved in an accident at Wycombe Air Park, Buckinghamshire. The aircraft was being operated for glider towing duties. While the pilot was taxiing toward the launch point, the route required traversing an area of long grass with a following wind of 12 knots, gusting to 20 knots.
To maintain control during the taxi, the pilot held the control stick forward. During this maneuver, the tail of the aircraft began to lift. Although the pilot responded by closing the throttle, the aircraft continued to pitch downward, resulting in the propeller striking the ground. The aircraft eventually came to a halt resting on its left wing tip, the left undercarriage leg, and the propeller. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft safely with help from the airfield fire crew, and there were no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the circumstances of the taxiing maneuver, specifically the impact of the wind conditions and the surface conditions of the airfield. The inspection confirmed that the propeller was damaged beyond repair.