ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 208334
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| Date: | Wednesday 28 March 2018 |
| Time: | 15:10 LT |
| Type: |  Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat |
| Owner/operator: | Private |
| Registration: | ZK-LFD |
| MSN: | 198 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Location: | near Waihi, Waikato -
 New Zealand
|
| Phase: | En route |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | Thames Airport (TMZ/NZTH) |
| Thames Airport (TMZ/NZTH) | |
| Confidence Rating: |  Information verified through data from accident investigation authorities |
On 29 March 2018, the pilot and passenger departed Thames Aerodrome for a scenic flight to the east coast. Having been flying for approximately 40 minutes, heading back to Thames Aerodrome, the pilot flew the aircraft over the open mine to the north of the town of Waihi.
While both occupants were viewing the open mine at approximately 1600 feet above mean sea level, and at a speed of 80 knots, the windscreen failed catastrophically. The sudden inflow of air caused both cabin doors to come open and aerodynamic control became compromised. The pilot elected to make a forced landing onto open ground to the south of the town. While a successful approach was made to the chosen farm paddock, following touch down the aircraft bounced and was inverted, injuring the occupants.
Emergency services attended and provided assistance. When interviewed regarding the incident the pilot reported a possible collision with a drone. Examination of the aircraft and searches of the area of the mine have found no evidence of a drone.
During the examination of the aircraft, it was found that there was discolouration of the plastic polymer windscreen in the form of yellowing from the original clear.
Subsequent laboratory examination of recovered chards and sections from the windscreen identified evidence of Ultra Violet (UV) degradation to the upper areas of the exterior surface. UV degradation can affect the polymer bonding properties which can result in sudden failures.
Due to the high UV levels in New Zealand that can adversely degrade plastic polymers, it is recommended that aircraft are stored in a suitable building or a material cover is placed over the windows. Thorough pre-flight inspections could identify the emergence of discolouration or other defects of the aircraft transparencies. The use of cleaning materials should also be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements. Any defects noted should be discussed with a suitably qualified maintenance provider.
Sources:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503343&objectid=12021957
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/102675870/plane-crashes-into-waihi-paddock
http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/photo/001174933.html
https://www.caa.govt.nz/assets/legacy/Accidents_and_Incidents/Accident_Reports/ZK-LFD-safety-brief.pdf
Media:
An Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat ultralight plane crashed in a cornfield in Waihi, New Zealand, on Wednesday afternoon, with the two passengers escaping with moderate injuries.https://t.co/YSbdxrfaXF pic.twitter.com/03PslRY4cq
— Planes Of Legend (@PlanesOfLegend) 28 mars 2018
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 28-Mar-2018 06:49 | angels one five | Added |
| 28-Mar-2018 06:50 | harro | Updated [Source] |
| 28-Mar-2018 08:15 | Iceman 29 | Updated [Embed code] |
| 28-Mar-2018 09:07 | Anon. | Updated [Aircraft type, Embed code] |
| 28-Mar-2018 09:46 | Anon. | Updated [Aircraft type] |
| 28-Mar-2018 09:47 | Iceman 29 | Updated [Aircraft type, Registration, Operator, Nature, Source, Embed code, Narrative] |
| 28-Mar-2018 11:27 | skylinepigeon | Updated [Registration, Cn, Operator, Source, Embed code] |
| 28-Mar-2018 13:46 | Geno | Updated [Source] |
| 23-May-2018 05:02 | Ron Averes | Updated [Location] |
| 05-Aug-2019 20:50 | Aerossurance | Updated [Time, Operator, Phase, Departure airport, Destination airport, Source, Narrative] |
| 09-Oct-2021 02:43 | Ron Averes | Updated [Location] |
| 14-Feb-2022 01:25 | Ron Averes | Updated [Location] |
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