Savannah Wing Lift Strut Attachment Plates Failure

[rgmwa]

Here' s a Safety Directive from the UK that will be of interest to those of you who fly Savannahs.

 

rgmwa

 

2010-009[1].pdf

 

2010-009[1].pdf

 

2010-009[1].pdf

[Guest Maj Millard]

The incident referred to happened in 2005 sometime. It was the result of the aircraft being parked outside for an extended time in Norway, which subjected it to a high build up of snow accumulation on the wings, plus being tied down for an extended period of time in high winds, and harsh weather conditions. The inspection requirement is applicable to certain serial Nos., if you go to the Savannah aircraft section on the forum you will see that the RAAus issued Service instruction 050705-1 (and others) was issued on 5 Jul 2005, this appears to be a further inspection requirment bought out by the poms. Thanks for bringing this to our attention rgmwa......................Maj...

 

 

[rgmwa]

...this appears to be a further inspection requirment bought out by the poms. Thanks for bringing this to our attention rgmwa......................Maj...

No problems Maj.

 

Shirley Harding posted it on the SAAA website yesterday. Wasn't sure how relevant it was, but knew it would reach a wider audience here.

 

rgmwa

 

 

[Gkramer707]

Hi guys,

 

The aircraft in question was found to have the crack either on pre-flight or with a routine maintenance inspection. The new bracket was ordered. Then they went flying.

 

 

[eightyknots]

The document published by the CAA says:"A BMAA Service Bulletin was originally issued in response to a fatal air crash of an ICP Savannah that occurred in Norway on 29 June 2005. The crash was caused by the detachment of one wing from the fuselage. An investigation by the Norwegian authorities found that it is likely that there were cracks in the lift strut attachment plates (of which the owner was aware) prior to the flight.

 

Subsequent to Issue 2 of the SB, two UK examples have been discovered with fretting or severe inter-granular corrosion of the attachment plates.

 

BMAA Service Bulletin 1918 Issue 3 now mandates those inspections noted at Issue 2 of the Service Bulletin. The Service Bulletin must be implemented within one month of the effective date."

 

Doesn't sound like as low key an event as you suggest Gkramer707.

I don't think it is low key either. The event happened nearly six years ago but it is still serious enough to have the British Authorities issue this directive as late as 29 December 2011 when they would usually be enjoying their Christmas break.