Lessons Learned: Wildcat G-KINL Nose Over, Back Landing
A Grumman FM2, Wildcat G-KINL aircraft experienced a nose over and landed on its back.
Upon landing in Suffolk, at Heveningham Hall, a Grumman FM2, Wildcat G-KINL did a nose over and back landing, July 6, 2023, as reported by AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch) in its June 27, 2024, incident investigation.
The Wildcat G-KINL aircraft pilot was attending an annual public event at a private estate. During the landing on a grass runway, at an unlicensed private airstrip, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted.
The pilot was seriously injured. It is believed the surface of the runway had a solid crust on top of a softer subsoil that the aircraft dug into which caused it to nose over.
The event organizers will implement additional operational coordination and risk management measures for future events.
What happened?
The aircraft landed in a 3-point attitude, with the tail wheel about one foot off the ground, just before the runway threshold. The pilot added that, during the initial part of the landing roll, the aircraft was going straight and in full control, with the throttle closed.
As he could see the ground crew at the end of the runway, he started thinking ahead about taxiing off the runway to the parking position. At this point, he became aware of the aircraft’s tail coming up. To counter this, he immediately applied full back stick, but the tail continued to rise. He then put both hands on the control column and looked inside to check the position of his feet, which were on the floor, so was not applying braking. Not understanding what was going on, he knew he could not stop the tail from rising, as it was happening so quickly, and that the aircraft would go on its nose as the aircraft was still doing a reasonable speed. As a result, he braced for the impact.
Conclusion
The aircraft systems and controls were functioning normally during the accident. The weight of the aircraft caused its narrow, high-pressure mainwheel tires to sink into the soft runway surface and created a rolling resistance which rapidly decelerated the aircraft.
The high CG resulted in large rotating moment about the axis of the mainwheels which led to the aircraft toppling forward, the propeller blades striking the ground, and the aircraft then tipping over on to its back. The crusty surface of the runway, on top of the soft subsurface, was probably a result of the wet weather conditions in the weeks prior to the event, followed by warm dry weather in the days prior to the accident. This was undetected, despite the runway being checked in accordance with the guidance available. The event organizers are planning to implement the following additional measures for future events:
● An RA for the visitors fly-in will be obtained and reviewed in advance of the HCF.
● A risk assessment will be conducted for the operation of Runway 06/24, that is used for the concours and flying display aircraft.
● There will be a nominated suitably qualified and experienced person to coordinate all the aviation operations.
● Firefighting and lifting equipment will be available at Runway 06/24 for movements in the days prior to the country fair.
Read the full AAIB report.
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