Entire fleet of single-engined trainers remains grounded as a precaution after Rochefort accident.
Flap detachment during circuit flying preceded the fatal Elixir Aircraft single-engined trainer accident in France that prompted grounding of the entire fleet, investigators have disclosed.
French investigation authority BEA has revealed that the left flap of the aircraft – serial number 65, bearing the test registration F-WGAZ – separated during a 1 October flight at Rochefort airfield.
“After completing two circuits…one of the pilots signalled for a low-altitude circuit,” it states.
But during the final turn for runway 12, the left flap detached from the aircraft.
“The pilot lost control,” says BEA. “The aircraft’s emergency parachute deployed at low altitude.”
Neither pilot, both employees of Elixir Aircraft, survived as the aircraft collided with the ground.
Elixir subsequently moved to ground the fleet, a decision formalised by a European Union Aviation Safety Agency emergency directive.
“After three days of investigation, no evidence has yet established the reasons that led to the detachment of the left flap,” says Elixir.
“The circumstances and causes of this event therefore remain to be determined.”
Elixir says some 60 aircraft operating in five countries have been grounded “as a precautionary measure”.
It adds that it “remains fully committed to co-operating with the relevant authorities” during the probe into the crash.
The post Reason for flap separation that preceded fatal Elixir crash yet to be understood first appeared on FlightGlobal.