Safety Accident Reports
Beware drones
Steve Ayres summarises and comments on accident reports from around the world and suggests this would be a good time to consider a ‘back-to-flying’ training video…
Out of control
Alauda Airspeeder Mk II UAS, registration n/a Goodwood Aerodrome, West Sussex Injuries: None
While performing a demonstration flight, the remote pilot lost control of the 95kg Alauda Airspeeder Mk II scale demonstrator. After the loss of control had been confirmed by the remote pilot, the safety ‘kill switch’ was operated but had no effect. The unmanned aircraft then climbed to approximately 8,000ft, entering controlled airspace at a holding point for flights arriving at Gatwick Airport, before its battery depleted and it fell to the ground. It crashed in a field of crops approximately 40 metres from occupied houses and 700 metres outside of its designated operating area. There were no injuries. The AAIB found that the Alauda Airspeeder Mk II was not designed, built nor tested to any recognisable standards, and its design and build quality were of a poor standard. The operator’s Operating Safety Case contained several statements which were shown to be untrue. The Civil Aviation Authority’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Unit had assessed the operator’s application and, after clarification and amendment of some aspects, issued an exemption to the Air Navigation Order to allow flights in accordance with the operator’s Operating Safety Case. The CAA did not meet the operator nor inspect the Alauda Airspeeder Mk II before the accident flight. There have been many other similar events where control of an unmanned aircraft has been lost, resulting in either it falling to the
ground or flying away. Even a small unmanned aircraft falling from a few metres could cause a fatal injury if it struck a person. Comment The findings of this enquiry were mostly regulatory, but they are a reminder that these devices are sharing airspace with us. Clearly the enquiry raises questions both for the regulator and the operators and it is imperative lessons are learned for the safety of us all. While the Board comments on the threat to life on the ground, meeting such a beast in the air would be terminal for most of us.
Steps too far… Birmingham Airport, UK Injuries: None
After completing some routine maintenance on the approach lights to Runway 33 at Birmingham Airport, two airport engineering services technicians drove along the runway in an airport works pick-up truck en route to their next task. In the back of the pick-up truck was a step ladder that they had been using. As they drove through the touchdown zone, the ladder came out of the vehicle and came to rest just to the right of the runway centreline. Three aircraft subsequently landed on Runway 33. The investigation concluded that the ladder fell from the truck during the drive along the runway, at the point where it accelerated in the touchdown zone after the end of the supplementary lights. The means of securing the ladder in the rear of the open back vehicle using a bungee was not suitable. The bungee was available for use within the maintenance organisation’s facility, but its
“The unmanned aircraft then climbed to approx 8,000ft, entering controlled airspace” 48 | FLYER | May 2021
provenance was not known. More suitable securing equipment was available although not readily to hand. Comment Fortunately no aircraft came into contact with the pair of steps – but the consequences of doing so would have been serious for any size of aircraft. And yet this type of incident could happen on any of our airfields, particularly given the recent lack of aircraft movements. Now might also be a good time to remind the local farm vehicle drivers that your airstrip is still shared by aircraft and perhaps carry out a pre-return-to-flying ‘FOD plod’.
Tree trimming…
Piper PA 28-151 G-CKIO Woodside Farm, Hockerton, Notts Injuries: None
The aircraft was on a training flight from Nottingham Airport with an instructor and a student. The student, who held a lapsed PPL, was at the controls and was practicing a forced landing over farmland. The instructor stated that he had not realised how close the aircraft had become to trees during the procedure and that the student delayed applying power to climb away when instructed. As a result, the aircraft’s right wing tip struck the top of a tree when climbing away. This dented a section of the wing’s leading edge and damaged the wing tip. The instructor took control and was able to fly the aircraft back to Nottingham Airport without further incident. Aircraft may practice forced landings away from an aerodrome if flown no closer than 150 metres (500ft) to any person, vessel, vehicle or structure. Comment Time always seems to become compressed at the end of a practice forced landing especially when words need to be translated into actions and when those at the controls lack familiarity. Of equal importance, is the need to bear in mind where you might go if the engine falters or even
