AAIU Reports

SYNOPSIS

The microlight was taking off from the grass runway at Rathcoole Airfield, Mallow, Co. Cork. During the take off a spare pilot’s helmet escaped from a ballast bag secured in the rear seat and was ingested into the propeller damaging it. The take off was abandoned.  The Pilot was uninjured.  No injuries or damage to third party property resulted.

SYNOPSIS

The glider was taking part in a 50 km cross country Silver Distance attempt in good weather conditions. Gliding conditions deteriorated en-route forcing the pilot to land in a field. He overshot the field, clearing the far boundary fence but hit a tree on a subsequent fence.  The result was substantial damage to the starboard wing, wing root and port wingtip, with tail boom and tail assembly disrupted on ground impact.  The pilot was uninjured.  No injuries or damage to third party property resulted but the glider is probably damaged beyond economic repair.

SYNOPSIS

The helicopter, which was on a training flight, was on approach to land when the nose yawed to the right at about 50ft above ground level (AGL). The Instructor immediately carried out an autorotation and landed with no damage and no injuries to persons on board. During the subsequent investigation it was found that the tail rotor swash plate bellcrank bearing had disintegrated in flight.

SYNOPSIS

The aircraft was on a routine scheduled passenger flight between London Stansted (EGSS) and Cork Airport (EICK).  Weather conditions at EICK that afternoon were clear and sunny.  The aircraft Commander was the Pilot Flying (PF), with the First Officer as the Pilot-Non-Flying (PNF) or the monitoring pilot.  Approaching the South coast, the PNF asked Air Traffic Control (ATC) for permission to carry out a visual approach to Runway (RWY) 17.  The aircraft was cleared by ATC for an unrestricted visual approach to RWY 17 at 4 NM from touchdown. 

 As the final part of this approach was too high the PNF asked ATC, at the PF’s request, for permission to carry out a right hand orbit.  This was approved by ATC. During this orbit manoeuvre the aircraft flew low over the Bishopstown area of Cork City on its base leg.  As the aircraft turned onto finals the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) “Glide Slope” CAUTION sounded twice.  In addition, the EGPWS alert activated. The aircraft landed normally at 16.53 hrs.  The Operator advised the AAIU of this Serious Incident on 13 June 2006.

SYNOPSIS

The helicopter departed the Citywest Hotel to refuel at Weston Airport (EIWT).  Having made a visual approach to the airport without incident, the pilot hovered EI-CGQ and air taxied up to the Jet-A1 refuelling area.  Realising that he might be blocking the possible exit of the airport fire and rescue vehicle he started to reverse the helicopter.  At that point the tail of EI-CGQ struck the Avgas fuel pump and the helicopter went into a horizontal spin and landed hard on the tarmac.  The aircraft suffered extensive damage.  There was no fire or injury. 

SYNOPSIS

The aircraft was carrying out a routine scheduled passenger flight between London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Ireland West Airport (EIKN), Knock, Co. Mayo.  The major part of the flight was operationally uneventful until the approach phase to Ireland West was commenced.  

Here, some confusion arose with the cockpit crew as to the Runway (RWY) in use for landing. They had initially flight planned for RWY 09 but the EIKN Air Traffic Control (ATC) advised that their requested Non Directional Beacon (NDB) approach to RWY 09 was unavailable and cleared them for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to RWY 27, from which they could carry out a Circling Approach to RWY 09.   This ATC information led to an ILS approach to RWY 27 with the aircraft incorrectly configured.   The approach was abandoned at about 400 feet above ground level (AGL), as the crew became visual with RWY 27, and a go-around was carried out.  About this time, also, the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) sounded.

SYNOPSIS

The aircraft was on a positioning flight to Paris CDG following maintenance for a suspected Main Landing Gear indication problem at Dublin.  On retraction of the gear following the take-off, a red “gear unlocked” and “gear in transit” warning light, was observed by the crew.  The “abnormal” checklist detail was then carried out and the gear activated in an effort to clear the problem.  The crew requested a quick return (QRF) to Dublin.  On the approach the warning indications cleared and the aircraft landed on RWY 28.  No airport services were required.  An inspection of the aircraft revealed that a Left Hand (LH) undercarriage door hinge had broken.

SYNOPSIS

The helicopter was carrying out routine commercial pleasure flights in the Carrickmacross area of Co. Monaghan.  On the final flight the pilot reported that a “FUEL PUMP” warning light illuminated and the engine failed seconds later.  He carried out an  approach and landed in a cornfield.  All on board exited the helicopter safely and without injury. There was no fire.  The helicopter suffered significant damage in the landing. The Investigation found that the engine stoppage was due to insufficient fuel in the helicopter’s fuel tank.

This report makes four Safety Recommendations.

SYNOPSIS

Following touchdown on RWY 19 at Kilrush, directional control was lost, the aircraft departed the right side of the tarmac runway and entered soft ground.  The undercarriage collapsed and other associated low speed impact damage was caused to the aircraft.  Both the Pilot and the passenger exited the aircraft unaided.  There was no fire or injuries.