AAIB investigation to Nicollier HN 700 Menestrel II, G-MINS
Aircraft tipped onto its nose in soft ground and propeller struck ground, Bedlands Gate Airfield, Cumbria, 30 March 2021.
Summary:
The pilot stated that having bought the aircraft, he planned to fly it from Bedlands Gate Airfield, Cumbria, to relocate it. As the grass strip was wet after recent rain the pilot walked the length of Runway 16 with an experienced pilot friend and noted the surface was firm along the entire length.
After start-up, the pilot taxied the aircraft down Runway 34 and attempted a 180° left turn using the turning circle. While doing so the aircraft’s right wheel sank into a patch of soft ground at the edge of the turning circle. The aircraft then slewed right and tipped onto its nose, damaging the propeller and stopping the engine. The pilot exited the aircraft normally and, with the help of his friend, removed the aircraft from the mud and towed it back to the hangar.
Although the main runway was firm, the pilot and his friend did not notice the soft ground at the extreme edge of the turning circle. The pilot added that he will never again take for granted the condition of the extreme edges and far ends of an unfamiliar grass strip.
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