Extension of the Scope of the Aeros Safety Directive
Dear pilots, please note the extension of the scope of the Aeros safety directive: Carbon Crossbeam Check on Aeros Combat Hang Gliders Produced in 2010 - 2013
August 16, 2013
Background:
Based on the in-depth study of the problem we have decided to extend the scope of the Safety Directive-016 dd. August 12, 2013 and to arrange immediate re-testing of all the carbon crossbeams on Combat gliders produced since January 2010 to date. Combat gliders produced between January 2007 and January 2010 are not within the scope of the Safety Directive-016. However, Aeros recommends to check the crossbeam in the same manner at the next detailed glider check-up according to the glider maintenance schedule.
The infrequent manufacturing defect referred to in the Safety Directive-016 is displacement of a carbon fabric layer while the crossbeam preform is compressed in the course of production process. This can result in a weak line forming along the crossbeam wall. And this is exactly what happened on both crossbeams that failed.
After the numerous factory tests Aeros has developed the method of revealing such defects. Please, contact an Aeros dealer nearest to you to have the crossbeam checked.
Scope:
Hence, the scope of the Safety Directive-016 is extended to cover all Combat hang gliders produced since January 2010 to date, with the range starting from
Combat 12,8
- from serial # 031.10, sail # 4492, produced in April 2010
- to serial # 062.12, sail # 5338, produced in December 2012
Combat 12,4
- from serial # 031.12, sail # 5158, produced in June 2012
- to serial # 010.13, sail # 5469, produced in April 2013
Combat 13,2
- from serial # 095.09, sail # 4397, produced in January 2010
- to serial # 015.13, sail # 5444, produced in April 2013
Combat 13,7
- from serial # 008.10, sail # 4434, produced in April 2010
- to serial # 029.12, sail # 5148, produced in May 2012
Combat 13,5
- from serial # 063.10, sail # 4625, produced in 2010
- to serial # 024.13, sail # 5508, produced in July 2013
Combat 14,2
- from serial # 099.09, sail # 4405, produced in February 2010
- to serial # 026.13, sail # 5518, produced in July 2013.
Combat 14,9
- from serial # 009.11, sail # 4765, produced in March 2011
- to serial # 004.13, sail # 5377, produced in March 2013
According to the Directive, the crossbeam on these gliders is to be checked and tested before the next flight!
For other Combat hang gliders with the round crossbeam produced from January 2007 till December 2009 inclusive it is recommended to have the crossbeam checked and tested during the next detailed glider check-up according to the normal maintenance schedule.
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Dear hang glider pilots, please pay attention to following safety directive from Aeros:
Background:
During the last week we had information of two in-flight crossbeam accidents on our latest Combat gliders. Fortunately, both pilots were unharmed.
The first accident happened on August 2nd, and while the investigation was still on the way, we received news about the similar accident that happened on August 8th.
Both accidents happened during level flight at moderate speed and the weather more or less calm (normal flight load).
Both crossbeams broke in the same place and in a very similar pattern.
Both gliders were not new and had between 40 and 60 flights, some of the flights in far worse conditions.
Both crossbeams that failed had passed the factory load test.
After a thorough investigation made by the representatives of Aeros together with the representatives of the crossbeam manufacturer, based on both accident reports and a personal check of one of the gliders, the reason of this structural failure has been discovered. In both cases it was caused by an infrequent manufacturing defect that went undetected by our quality control system.
Scope:
This Safety Directive covers all Combat hang gliders with a carbon crossbeam manufactured in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Compliance:
To avoid any further incidents, we strongly recommend to STOP FLYING all Aeros Combat hang gliders manufactured between 2011 and 2013 until their crossbeams are inspected by our authorized dealers. Please, contact an Aeros dealer nearest to you for the carbon crossbeam inspection on your Combat hang glider.
All Aeros hang glider dealers will receive detailed instructions for the crossbeam inspection and testing. These procedures will allow us to find any further similar defects in the crossbeams and fully exclude similar failures on the re-tested pieces.
The same additional test procedures will immediately be implemented in our production process as well.
In case of any questions do not hesitate to contact Aeros at aerosint@aerosint.kiev.ua
COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY AND HAS TO BE ACHIEVED BEFORE THE NEXT FLIGHT!
Fly safe!
Homepage: www.aeros.com.ua
