Hawker Cygnet replica, G-EBJI, 16 April 2012

From:
Air Accidents Investigation Branch
Published
10 December 2014
Category:
General aviation - fixed wing
Report type:
Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
Date of occurrence:
16 April 2012
Aircraft type:
Hawker Cygnet replica
Location:
Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire
Registration:
G-EBJI

Hawker Cygnet replica, G-EBJI

Summary:

The aircraft’s propeller detached in flight but the pilot was able to execute a successful forced-landing at Old Warden Aerodrome. The cause of the propeller detachment was determined to be fatigue cracking of the engine’s crankshaft, originating from a machined keyway feature that had previously been identified, by the engine manufacturer, as a site for fatigue crack initiation. The Light Aircraft Association (LAA) will update its guidance material for LAA Inspectors in relation to this problem and will also define a suitable non-destructive test and inspection interval for similar in-service engines.

Download report:

Hawker Cygnet replica G-EBJI 10-12.pdf (2,521.27 kb)

Published 10 December 2014