AAIU Reports

Synopsis

The Pilot was engaged in an aerobatic display as part of a local weekend festival at Foynes on the southern bank of the River Shannon.  Approximately 4 minutes into the display routine, sections of fabric tore loose from the top surface of the upper left wing and across its centre section resulting in serious control difficulties for the Pilot.  He carried out a successful forced landing to the best available field, with no additional damage to the aircraft.

Synopsis

The aircraft was cruising at 33,000 ft, when it encountered moderate turbulence. This turbulence resulted in a moderate un-commanded roll. While the autopilot was correcting this roll, the outer bracket supporting the outside servo-control of the RH inboard aileron failed, causing the RH inboard aileron to oscillate quickly from 14 degrees upwards deflection to 12 degrees downwards deflection and settling at an upwards deflection of the order of 15 degrees. This did not cause any control problems and the autopilot was able to continue to control the aircraft. The aircraft landed without difficulty at the intended destination, Chicago O’Hare (KORD). Subsequently a crack was detected in a corresponding bracket on the Left Hand (LH) wing.

SYNOPSIS

Unbeknown to the Pilot, the aircraft took off with the tow-bar still attached to the nose wheel.

SYNOPSIS

The Pilot of G-BIZV was taxiing his tail-wheeled aircraft in the ramp/hangar area following a short local flight.

As the aircraft was about to pass behind an unoccupied parked X-AIR microlight (EI-DGG), a sudden gust of wind from the right swung G-BIZV into wind and its propeller struck the trailing edge of the microlights starboard aileron. There were no injuries.

Synopsis

The Instructor and Student departed Weston (EIWT) on a navigational exercise in a northwest direction towards Donegal. Near Athboy, Co Meath, the engine oil pressure dropped off without warning and the Instructor decided to terminate the exercise and route back to Weston. However, just north of Maynooth, the engine started to run roughly and to lose RPM. The Instructor decided to carry out an immediate forced landing at a nearby private airfield rather than attempt to reach Weston. This landing was safely executed and the crew exited the aircraft without further incident. There were no injuries.

Synopsis

In flight the crew noticed unusual airframe vibration and diverted. Subsequent investigation revealed that the aft attachment lugs on the left elevator tab control had failed.

Synopsis

The Pilot was positioning G-CDFE to Weston Airport from EIMH to attend a briefing of crews participating in an airshow the following day. Shortly after take-off the weather en route deteriorated and the Pilot decided to return to EIMH. The wind slightly favoured Runway (RWY) 11 and he carried out a normal approach and landing. However, braking did not give the desired deceleration and the aircraft overran into the left boundary hedge at taxi speed. The aircraft sustained minor damage and the Pilot was uninjured.

Synopsis

Having landed normally on Runway (RWY) 25, in gusty conditions, the Pilot was conducting a turn to backtrack along RWY 07 towards the airfield hangar when a gust of wind lifted the tail, resulting in the aircraft nosing into the ground and flipping over on its back. While the aircraft was substantially damaged, there were no injuries to persons on board

Synopsis

The Pilot reported that the aircraft encountered a downdraft immediately before landing.   He applied power but the wheels contacted high corn crop before the runway threshold.   The aircraft landed and, when the main landing gear hit a raised ridge, stopped suddenly and inverted.   The Pilot switched off the electrics and fuel and was able to exit unaided from under the aircraft.