What happened
On July 26, 2011, a Piper J3C-65/L-4, registration HB-OXI, was performing solo training maneuvers at the Lommis airfield (LSZT) in Switzerland. The pilot, who was undergoing transition training from nosewheel to tailwheel aircraft, performed a series of circuit patterns and landing exercises. During the first solo circuit of the day, the aircraft departed from the runway centerline following a three-point landing.
After touching down within the first 150 meters of runway 06, the aircraft began to veer toward the right. The pilot attempted to correct this by applying left rudder and aileron, which caused the aircraft to swing across the centerline toward the left edge of the runway. As the right wheel struck a plastic runway marker, the pilot applied the brakes heavily. This sudden braking caused the aircraft to pitch forward, resulting in a nose-over that left the aircraft resting on its back. The pilot sustained minor abrasions but was able to exit the wreckage unassisted.
The investigation
SUST examined the flight training records, the aircraft's technical state, and the sequence of the landing. The investigation noted that the pilot had completed only 2 hours and 15 minutes of flight time on the Piper J3C-65/L-4 type, with 17 landings performed prior to the accident. During the training sessions, the pilot sat in the rear seat, which changed the aircraft's center of gravity compared to previous dual-control flights.
Investigators analyzed the mechanical state of the aircraft and found no technical defects. The weather conditions were clear with good visibility. The investigation also focused on the pilot's use of the heel brakes and the instructor's assessment of the pilot's readiness for solo flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of control during landing, leading to a lateral excursion and a subsequent nose-over.
- The instructor's overly optimistic assessment of the pilot's skills contributed to the accident, as the pilot had limited experience managing the reduced rudder effectiveness at low speeds characteristic of tailwheel operations.
- The inappropriate use of the wheel brakes—specifically a heavy, abrupt application to prevent a collision with the runway marker—triggered the forward pitch and nose-over.
- The shift in the center of gravity, caused by the pilot flying from the rear seat alone, made the aircraft more susceptible to directional instability.