Accident Summary
On 17 June 2007 at 1355 UTC, a Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee, registration G-ASVP, sustained major damage to the engine, propeller, and cockpit area, and minor damage to one wingtip during a landing accident at Hinton-in-the-Hedges, Northamptonshire. The sole occupant, the pilot, sustained minor injuries.
Aircraft Details
The aircraft was a Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee, a low-wing, tailwheel-configured monoplane used worldwide as an agricultural and glider-tugging aircraft. It was powered by one Lycoming O-540-B2C5 piston engine. The year of manufacture was 1964. The aircraft was fitted with a rotating anti-collision beacon mounted in the roof above the pilot's seat.
Pilot and Flight
The pilot, aged 49, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had a total flying experience of 385 hours, of which 50 hours were on type. His recent flying experience was limited, with only 2 hours in the last 90 days and 1 hour in the last 28 days. The flight was a private glider-tugging operation, the eighth aerotow launch of the day, returning to the airfield. The weather was fine with a light westerly breeze. Runway 27 was used for launching, while Runway 33, subject to a slight crosswind, was used for landing; both runways had grass surfaces. This was the pilot's second landing on Runway 33; the first caused no difficulty.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that the approach and landing seemed normal, although witnesses recalled seeing a slight bounce on landing. After landing, as the aircraft decelerated, its tail began to rise. At a speed estimated by the pilot to be about 30 mph, the propeller struck the ground. The aircraft continued pitching and fell slowly onto its back. The pilot stated that he thought he placed his feet too high on the rudder pedals prior to landing and may have inadvertently applied some brake pressure during the landing roll. He also reported that the control stick was back for landing. The gliding club's investigation noted distinct signs of two lines of flattened grass from both wheels, consistent with braking effect.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained lacerations to his head when the anti-collision beacon broke through the cockpit roof and impacted his head as the aircraft pitched onto its roof. Additional injury was caused by the pilot's head hitting internal attachment bolts for an aerial. The aircraft sustained major damage to the engine, propeller, and cockpit area, and minor damage to one wingtip.
Escape and Rescue
The cockpit had two doors, each hinged on its lower edge and latched at the top. After the accident, the pilot attempted to open each side door but was unable to do so as the doors were jammed against the ground. Other members of the gliding club arrived and lifted one of the aircraft's wings, enabling a cockpit door to be opened. The pilot exited the aircraft and received first aid from a club member while another member switched off the master and magneto switches. There was no fire.
Investigation Findings
The AAIB determined that the probable cause of the pitch-over was a combination of inadvertently applied brake pressure and the control stick not being fully back during the rollout. The investigation also identified survivability issues related to the anti-collision beacon location and emergency door release.
Safety Recommendations
Two safety recommendations were made:
- Safety Recommendation 2008-011: It is recommended that Lavia SA produce a modification for aircraft with the anti-collision light assembly on the roof of the cockpit, moving the light to a position that would not compromise the living volume of the cockpit in the event of an accident. Direccion Nacional De Aeronavegabilidad should ensure Lavia SA produces the modification and consider making it mandatory.
- Safety Recommendation 2008-012: It is recommended that Lavia SA produce a retrofit modification for the installation of an emergency door release system on Piper PA-25-235 aircraft manufactured prior to serial number 25-4171. Direccion Nacional De Aeronavegabilidad should ensure Lavia SA produces the modification and consider making it mandatory.