Safety Accident Reports
Cool heads
Steve Ayres summarises and comments on accident reports from around the world and suggests this would be a good time to read Engines, by Mike Busch.
Blade loose
Sportstar Max G-TMAX White Ox Mead Farm Airstrip, Somerset Injuries: Nil
The aircraft departed from Runway 20 at White Ox Mead Airstrip in fine weather conditions. Towards the end of the take-off run the pilot reported feeling a distinct high-frequency vibration, but as he was beyond the point on the runway where the aircraft could safely be stopped, he continued with the take-off. The vibration continued as the aircraft became airborne so the pilot reduced power and started a left turn, with the intention of returning to the airstrip if the vibration continued. As the aircraft climbed through 250ft agl the vibration increased and the pilot reported hearing a loud bang and observed a propeller blade passing over the canopy. The vibration increased significantly after the propeller blade detached, causing the forward-hinged canopy to open and be sucked upwards into the airflow. The engine also stopped, which the pilot subsequently determined was due to the carburettors detaching from the inlet manifolds. At approximately 200ft agl the pilot selected a crop field, which was into wind and had an upslope, and made a successful forced landing. No additional damage was incurred during the landing. Despite a search of the area that the aircraft had overflown, the detached propeller blade was not located. The absence of any evidence of progressive cracking prior to the blade’s release indicates that the
propeller was weakened prior to the failure, possibly due to contact with the ground or a foreign object. The increasing level of vibration experienced during the latter stages of the take-off roll is consistent with a change in the stiffness or mass of a propeller blade during the take-off roll. Comment This could have ended very badly. Engine failure at low level leaves few options, but clear-headed actions and deft handling resulted in a good outcome. Losing a prop blade is worrisome, though, and it would be good to know what caused it.
Short stop
Piper PA 24-180 Commanche N5839P Compton Abbas Airfield, Dorset Injuries: Nil
The aircraft was being positioned via an overhead join for an approach to land on Runway 26 at Compton Abbas. When the landing gear was selected down there was a sudden smell of burning. The pilot, believing there was a fire or an imminent risk of fire, immediately made an emergency call to ATC and positioned the aircraft for a shortened approach. The aircraft touched down normally and rolled on its landing gear for around 80m before it collapsed and the aircraft slid along on its belly. Once the aircraft came to a halt, the occupants vacated the aircraft with the fire service in attendance. Initial enquiries suggested the landing gear failed to lock down due to a burnt-out electrical gear motor. Comment To be back safely on terra firma after a suspected electrical fire cannot be a bad result, but landing
“When the landing gear was selected down there was a sudden smell of burning” 42 | FLYER | April 2021
with the undercarriage in an unsafe condition does come with its own risks. Connecting the smell of burning with the movement of the undercarriage selector switch could have led to a prompt diagnosis of the cause and allowed time to reflect on how best to sort the problem of an unlocked undercarriage before committing to land. But, of course, hindsight can be a wonderful thing!
Close shave
Champion 7GCB, C-FPTR & Cessna 172M, C-GEDC Ottawa River, Ontario, Canada Injuries: One minor
A Champion aircraft equipped with floats, departed Golden Lake, Ontario, for a VFR flight with just the pilot on board. As the aircraft approached Chat Falls on the Ottawa River, the pilot descended to 1,500ft and made a position call on the training area frequency while tracking 085°. A few minutes earlier a Cessna 172M aircraft departed Arnprior Airport with the pilot and three passengers on board, for a VFR flight to Constance Bay. The pilot climbed to 1,500ft before switching to the training area frequency and broadcasting the aircraft’s position and his intentions for the flight. After making a few sightseeing orbits the aircraft flew a track of approximately 050°. Shortly after, the two aircraft collided while flying over the Ottawa River near Buckham’s Bay. The Champion sustained damage to the tail, entered a descending left-hand turn, struck the water, and overturned. The pilot egressed from the aircraft and was rescued by nearby boaters. The pilot received minor injuries. The Cessna sustained damage to the propeller, nosewheel fairing and engine cowl. The pilot of the Cessna saw the Champion strike the water. He flew a few orbits to confirm that the pilot had been rescued, and transmitted a Mayday call before returning to land without further incident. Comment This was a narrow
