AAIB Bulletin No: 8/2003
Piper PA-18 Super Cub · Other Documents
Overview
This document is an accident report concerning the Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, specifically the modified version registered as G-BJCI. It details an incident that occurred on May 11, 2003, during a glider towing operation at Milfield Airfield. The report outlines the circumstances leading to the accident, including the pilot's actions and the environmental conditions at the time. The document serves as a safety reference for pilots operating the PA-18-150, highlighting the importance of understanding aircraft behavior in strong winds and the potential risks during taxiing maneuvers. It provides insights into the pilot's experience and the nature of the damage sustained by the aircraft.
- The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, registered as G-BJCI.
- The incident occurred during a glider towing operation on May 11, 2003.
- Wind conditions were 15-20 knots, gusting to 30 knots at the time of the accident.
- The pilot had 558 total flying hours, with 246 hours on the PA-18-150.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and required engine shock load testing.
Document
Source
Originally published by assets.publishing.service.gov.uk. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Other Documents
- Year
- 2003
- Pages
- 1
- File size
- 67 KB
- Publisher
- assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
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In this document
Incident Overview
The incident involved the Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, registered as G-BJCI, which occurred during a glider towing operation. The pilot, who had significant experience with the aircraft, was taxiing back after a normal landing when the accident happened.
Pilot's Actions
The pilot selected full flaps and maintained a neutral elevator position while taxiing in strong winds. As the aircraft slowed, the tail lifted off the ground, leading to a loss of control.
Environmental Conditions
At the time of the incident, wind conditions were reported at 15-20 knots, gusting to 30 knots, which contributed to the aircraft's tail lifting during taxi.
Damage Assessment
The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, which was bent, and the engine required shock load testing following the incident.
Pilot Experience
The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and had a total flying experience of 558 hours, with 246 hours specifically on the Piper PA-18-150. In the last 90 days, he had flown 10 hours, and in the last 28 days, 4 hours.
Safety notes
- Pilots should be cautious when taxiing in strong winds, especially with a tailwheel aircraft like the PA-18.
- Maintaining control of the aircraft during taxi is critical to prevent damage.
Full document text
1 Piper PA-18-150 (Modified) Super Cub, G-BJCI AAIB Bulletin No: 8/2003 Ref: EW/G2003/05/13 Category: 1.3 Aircraft Type and Registration: Piper PA-18-150 (Modified) Super Cub, G-BJCI No & Type of Engines: 1 Lycoming O-360-C2A piston engine Year of Manufacture: 1958 Date & Time (UTC): 11 May 2003 at 1520 hrs Location: Milfield Airfield, near Wooler, Northumberland Type of Flight: Glider Towing Persons on Board: Crew - 1 Passengers - None Injuries: Crew - None Passengers - N/A Nature of Damage: Propeller bent, engine requires shock load testing Commander's Licence: Private Pilot's Licence Commander's Age: 55 years Commander's Flying Experience: 558 hours (of which 246 were on type) Last 90 days - 10 hours Last 28 days - 4 hours Information Source: Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot After a normal landing the aircraft was taxied directly downwind back towards the glider launch point. The pilot selected full flap and held the elevator in the neutral position which is his normal procedure when taxiing in strong winds. As he slowed to a stop before turning to line up in front of the next glider, the tail lifted off the ground and the aircraft slewed through 90°. Pulling rearwards on the control column had no effect and as the tail continued to lift, and before the engine could be stopped, the propeller struck the ground. During the period of taxiing the wind strength had been 15-20 kt gusting to 30 kt.