SAFA Skysailor Magazine

41 July | August 2023 SKY SAILOR were declared deceased at the scene following the arrival of emergency services personnel. Pilots must be aware of the differences in handling of mini-wings compared to their full- sized wing. Mini-wings carry a lot more energy and pilot inputs can produce an exaggerated response compared to full-sized wings. It is important to not over-react or over-control oscillations and be prepared to go hands-up on the controls. Pilots under instruction must pay heed to all directions from their instructor. #1461 – Dual WM fatality, WA PIC with passenger took off just before midday from Exmouth Aerodrome on a flight over the Cape Range National Park. The aircraft was maintained in accordance with the manufac- turer’s specifications and had recently had a 1000-hour service with several parts replaced and without issue in subsequent flights. Weather conditions at the time were generally fine, but low-level cloud and higher broken cloud was noted developing in the Cape Range National Park area during the time of the flight. These cloud formations are associated with substantial turbulence and severe updraughts. PIC was planning to fly at a higher altitude than usual in efforts to obtain photographs of the cloud formations from above. At around 3.15pm it was noticed that the aircraft had not returned, and emergency services were notified. The last-known coordi- nates of the aircraft were obtained from the service-provider of a mobile phone application used by PIC. This location was recorded at 12.15pm near the Shothole Canyon. Emer- gency services personnel located the aircraft fuselage high on the wall of the canyon. Both occupants were deceased. The wing of the aircraft was located the next day. It had separated from the fuselage and was found in a relatively intact condition. An analysis of the flight data available determined that prior to the crash at approximately 7000ft amsl, the aircraft experienced a series of pitch oscillations or a tumble, which have exceeded the limits of the aircraft, causing the wing to separate from the fuselage. An ATSB metallurgist examined the main- mast and found a rearward bend near the harness attachment point and concluded that the main mast and mast brace failed in overstress. A weld failure was also observed in the fork carrier near the mast brace pole. No evidence of pre-existing damage to compo- nents was observed. The coroner concluded that the exact cause of the loss of control could not be accurately determined, but that undue load led to the failure of the fuselage and that pilot error and atmospheric conditions could not be ruled out as contributing factors. Pilots of weight-shift microlight aircraft should consider installing a ballistic rescue system to their aircraft. Pilots need to remain alert to the development of unfavourable meteorological conditions during the course of the flight and alter flight plans accordingly.