Piper PA-18-150 (Modified) Super Cub, G-AWMF, 18 May 2013
Piper PA-18-150 (Modified) Super Cub, G-AWMF
Summary:
The aircraft was engaged on glider towing operations on the day of the accident. The weather was fine, with a light to moderate surface wind and good visibility. The aircraft had previously carried out ten consecutive glider tows before refuelling. The accident occurred on the third takeoff after refuelling.
Pre-takeoff checks were normal, including engine full-power checks. Shortly after takeoff, at a height of about 50 ft, there was a sudden vibration, which was severe enough to prevent the pilot reading his instruments. The vibration then stopped, combined with a complete loss of engine power. The pilot jettisoned his glider and manoeuvred the aircraft for a forced landing in fields beyond the airfield boundary. The aircraft ran into a hedge and pitched nose-down, flipping over onto its back and coming to rest inverted. The pilot, who was wearing a full harness, was uninjured and was able to vacate through the aircraft’s door. At the time of the report, the reason for the engine failure was awaited.
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