EAA Biplane, G-BBMH, 15 April 2012

EAA Biplane, G-BBMH

Summary:

The aircraft was at the holding point for Runway 01 at RAF Benson while the pilot carried out a pre-takeoff power check. The surface wind was reported as steady from 010° at 14 kt and the aircraft was stationary on a westerly heading. During a carburettor heat check at 1,500 RPM, the pilot became aware through his peripheral vision that the aircraft’s attitude was changing. He looked up to see that the tail was starting to rise, despite application of full aft control column. He closed the throttle, released the wheel brakes and switched the engine off, but was unable to stop the propeller striking the ground.

This overview has been truncated. Please refer to the official documents below for the complete canonical report.

38 © Crown copyright 2012 8/2012 AAIB Bulletin: G-BBMH EW/G2012/04/04 ACCIDENT Aircraft Type and Registration: EAA Biplane, G-BBMH No & Type of Engines: 1 Lycoming O-320-E3D piston engine Year of Manufacture: 1982 Date & Time (UTC): 15 April 2012 at 1100 hrs Location: RAF Benson, Oxfordshire Type of Flight: Private Persons on Board: Crew - 1 Passengers - None Injuries: Crew - None Passengers - N/A Nature of Damage: Propeller, spinner and engine possibly shock-loaded Commander’s Licence: Private Pilot’s Licence Commander’s Age: 53 years Commander’s Flying Experience: 970 hours (of which 67 were on type) Last 90 days - 9 hours Last 28 days - 5 hours Information Source: Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot The aircraft was at the holding point for Runway 01 at RAF Benson while the pilot carried out a pre-takeoff power check. The surface wind was reported as steady from 010° at 14 kt and the aircraft was stationary on a westerly heading. During a carburettor heat check at 1,500 rpm, the pilot became aware through his peripheral vision that the aircraft’s attitude was changing. He looked up to see that the tail was starting to rise, despite application of full aft control column. He closed the throttle, released the wheel brakes and switched the engine off, but was unable to stop the propeller striking the ground. The aircraft remained tipped forward, resting on its main wheels and nose. The pilot made the aircraft switches safe and vacated. The airfield fire service attended and assisted the pilot to right the aircraft. The pilot thought that a wind shift, combined with a forward centre of gravity (but which was within prescribed limits) may have contributed to the accident.

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