Accident Overview
On 14 April 2005 at 1454 UTC, a Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, registration G-BGWH, experienced an incident during a training flight from Nayland Airfield to Clacton Airfield in Essex. The aircraft was conducting a refresher course for farm strip flying. The weather was good with a surface wind from 230° at 3 kt. Runway 13 at Nayland was in use; its grass surface was damp and undulating. Prior to departure, the instructor and student inspected the take-off track on Runway 13.
Events Leading to Damage
After completing engine checks and selecting 25° flap, the student lined up and confirmed the runway direction. Just before lift-off, as the aircraft passed over the brow of the first undulation, it drifted left. The left main landing gear ran diagonally off the runway onto the sloping shoulder. The instructor took control but could not regain the clear area. The aircraft then struck a small earth mound covered by a bush on the down slope beside and below the runway shoulder, causing damage to the right main landing gear.
Return Flight and Landing
Once airborne, the instructor visually assessed the damage from the rear cockpit. The engine and propeller appeared undamaged, as did the tailplane, supporting struts, and left main landing gear. However, the right main landing gear was not visible from the rear cockpit. The instructor decided to return to Clacton Airfield for a landing on its grass runway. On arrival, the instructor informed personnel of the damage and requested a low fly-by for inspection. It appeared that the right main landing gear had bent underneath the aircraft; the left main landing gear seemed undamaged. The crew of an air ambulance that was in the area inspected G-BGWH while flying alongside and confirmed the right main landing gear damage but could not provide firm information on the left main landing gear.
Clacton radio asked if the instructor wanted the local emergency services placed on standby, which he agreed to. Arrangements were made for them to attend. The pilot flew several circuits to practice the approach while waiting for emergency services to assemble. When ready to land, the airfield's local fire appliance was positioned at the threshold of Runway 18 to follow during the landing roll.
The instructor attempted to land on the left main landing gear while keeping the right wing up with aileron. On touchdown, the left main landing gear collapsed as soon as the weight of the aircraft came onto it. The aircraft then slid to a halt on its belly.
Post-Landing and Damage Assessment
After the aircraft came to rest, the airfield's fire appliance deployed to the scene, and local emergency services arrived shortly. Both occupants exited the aircraft unassisted, having sustained no injuries. The aircraft was secured and moved to the hangar, where the resident maintenance organization assessed the damage. Subsequently, damage was found to the main landing gear, engine, propeller, one wing strut, and distortion to parts of the fuselage.