What happened
On 7 April 2010, a modified Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, registration G-BEOI, was involved in an accident at Parham Airfield, West Sussex. The aircraft, operated for private use, had just completed a glider tow operation. Following a successful release at 1,500 ft, the pilot descended towards the airfield and performed a side-slipping approach to Runway 04.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft veered toward the left side of the runway, which consisted of a mown grass strip. Despite the application of the rudder and the right brake, the aircraft departed the runway into an adjacent field. After crossing the ground between the runway and the field without further incident, the pilot attempted to taxi the aircraft back onto the runway. However, as the aircraft crossed the runway edge, the main wheels dropped into a deep rut. This caused the aircraft to pitch forward onto its nose, resulting in an immediate engine stoppage. The impact caused minor structural damage to the nose and a shock-load to the engine, with bent propeller tips.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's braking system and the pilot's ability to control the aircraft during the landing roll. The braking mechanism on this specific aircraft was unusual, consisting of two upright metal levers positioned at a 45-degree angle, operated via the heel of the foot. While the pilot had used this system previously without issue, the investigation looked into whether external factors influenced the loss of directional control.
Post-incident functional checks confirmed that the braking system was operating correctly and found no evidence of air in the system or other mechanical faults. The investigation also noted that the pilot was wearing new, ex-service flying boots with thicker soles and heels, which differed from his usual footwear.
Findings
- The aircraft departed the runway due to a failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
- The pilot's new flying boots, featuring thicker soles and heels, made it more difficult to locate and operate the heel-operated brake levers.
- The nose-over occurred because the aircraft's wheels entered a deep rut at the edge of the runway during the taxi attempt.
- The pilot's decision to taxi back onto the runway across an unfamiliar surface, rather than shutting down the engine and manually moving the aircraft, contributed to the damage.