DH 82A Tiger Moth, G-ANMO, 2 October 2005

DH 82A Tiger Moth, G-ANMO

Summary:

The aircraft was carrying out an instructional flight. During the latter part of the landing roll, on a grass surface, the aircraft began to pitch forward and, despite application of full aft stick, the aircraft’s tail continued to rise until the propeller struck the ground. The aircraft then slid some 10 to 15 m with its nose on the ground. The pilot reported that this flight was the seventh of the day in similar wind conditions (340º/5-10 kt, gusting 15 kt). These conditions were accommodated on each landing by approaching slightly across the runway, Runway 27, to reduce the cross-wind component and by using an ‘into-wind, wing-down’ technique. In each case, alighting took place with the right main-wheel first, directional control being initially maintained with the aircraft’s tail up, and then by moving the stick aft as the aircraft slowed to a stop. The pilot noted that overnight rain had taken place which he considered may have created a soft patch of grass, causing the wheels to dig in, pitching the aircraft forward. He also considered that the wind may have veered and gusted, creating a brief tail-wind component which, at a low forward speed, would have reversed the effect of the up elevator input, creating a nose down rather than a tail-down effect.

Download report:

G-ANMO 3-06.pdf (155.42 kb)

Published 10 December 2014