Accident Overview
On 12 April 1998 at 1150 UTC, a Piper PA-18-150 (Modified), registration G-BJCI, was involved in a ground incident at Milfield, Northumberland. The aircraft was engaged in private glider-towing operations and had just landed. While performing a taxiing turn to the right, the aircraft tipped onto its nose, causing damage to the propeller and bottom cowling. The sole occupant, the pilot, was uninjured.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, manufactured in 1958, was powered by a single Lycoming O-360-C2A piston engine. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence with an Instrument Rating and was 57 years old. His total flying experience amounted to 14,451 hours, with 40 hours on type. In the preceding 90 days, he had logged 16 hours, and 4 hours in the last 28 days.
Circumstances
The accident occurred during aerotow operations. The surface wind at the time was reported locally as north-north-west at 20 knots with occasional gusts. While executing a right turn during taxi, and at a point across the wind, the aircraft nosed over.
Damage Assessment
Damage was limited to the propeller and bottom cowling. No other structural or system damage was reported.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot assessed that the probable cause of the accident was a strong gust of wind lifting the tail, leading to the nose-over.