Piper PA-12 Replica Overturns During Grass Landing at Blönduós Airport (TF-XXL)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On May 4, 2021, at approximately 16:00 local time, a Piper PA-12 Replica, registration TF-XXL, was involved in an accident at Blönduós Airport. The aircraft, a 2011 homebuilt model with serial number 1060, was conducting a private flight for training purposes. The flight carried two occupants: the pilot and a passenger who was also a pilot. The aircraft was equipped with large tires suitable for grass landings and had a valid airworthiness certificate. ## Operational Context and Weather Conditions The flight was a local training exercise where the pilot and passenger alternated control of the aircraft. Due to crosswind conditions on the runway, they decided to practice landings on a grass area adjacent to the runway. The weather was in visual flight conditions with a wind from 340° at 15 knots. The pilot, aged 59, held a valid private pilot license and had a total of 1,396.7 hours of experience, including 41.6 hours on this specific aircraft type. ## Sequence of Events During the final landing, after covering approximately 100 meters of the 250-meter grass strip, the pilot was applying rudder from the rear seat. The pilot accidentally stepped on the brake pedals while moving to the rudder pedals. This inadvertent and firm application of the brakes caused the aircraft to pitch over and come to rest on its back. Both occupants exited the aircraft unassisted and sustained no injuries. The aircraft sustained minor damage. ## Investigation Findings and Safety Recommendations The investigation revealed that the brake pedals in the rear seat are positioned behind the rudder pedals, making it easy to step on both simultaneously if not careful. The pilot had limited experience operating from the rear seat, with only about three hours of such experience. The investigation concluded that the accident was caused by the inadvertent and excessive application of the brakes from the rear seat. The Rannsóknarnefnd samgönguslysa (RNSA) recommended that homebuilt aircraft manufacturers consider aligning the position of the rear-seat brake pedals with those in the front seat to reduce the risk of similar incidents.